A complete overview of all our Strategy articles.
At the SOE’s results presentation, Transnet group CFO Nosipho Maphumulo said the state-owned entity’s fortunes were starting to improve. After a challenging year for Oceana, the company is reporting improved revenues and headline earnings, which group CFO Zaf Mahomed says is largely due to the company’s diversification strategy. South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) CFO Innocent Gumbochuma shares how he is shaping the financial trajectory of the organisation and has ambitions of setting it on a path of innovation, resilience, and diversified revenue streams. SA CFOs reveal the impact the country’s power crisis is having on people, business, and the economy. Group CFO Zaf Mahomed explains that the recent US debt refinance will strengthen Oceana’s balance sheet. TransUnion CFO Sharon Naidoo reveals how to survive a recession with the right purpose, vision and mission. CFO Zaf Mahomed explains that Oceana’s recent record half-year results affirms the business’s health and strength. Barloworld Group FD Nopasika Lila unpacks the company’s recent interim results. Transunion CFO Sharon Naidoo unpacks how to create a smooth sail in rough seas by investing in untapped markets. Lehan encourages leadership to provide guidance to their teams in order to triumph over new challenges. The GWK CFO says she’s ready to take on any challenges the new year may bring, including loadshedding. The vice president of finance shares his top three tips on maintaining a positive outlook in the new year. Toyota Tsusho Africa’s CFO says disasters are an unlikely catalyst for future clarity. CFOs reveal how they are navigating the supply-chain disruptions brought on by crises. On 16 November, CFOs were encouraged to be innovative leaders in this new era of disruption. CFOs reveal how they are navigating the supply-chain disruptions brought on by crises. CFOs reveal how they are navigating the supply-chain disruptions brought on by crises. CFOs reveal how they are navigating the supply-chain disruptions brought on by crises. CFOs reveal how they are navigating the supply-chain disruptions brought on by crises. Zaf Mahomed, Deepa Sita and Bothwell Mazarura will unpack growth, M&A and tough turnarounds. The group FD explains that the insurer has been enhancing its operational and technological environment. The REIT has resumed its dividends and plans to roll out the next phase OF Waterfall City. The CTSE CFO first got an opportunity to learn through SAICA, and has kept on learning throughout his career. CFO SA and Standard Bank dinner unpacks the advantages of Africa’s local supply chains. Top CFOs unpack what the ingredients are to achieve growth, and the obstacles they face on the way. Despite macro-economic challenges and volatile market conditions, Sanlam’s solvency has remained strong. A CFO SA and Coupa dinner reveals the CFO’s role in creating an antifragile organisation. Implats’ recent acquisition of a further 1.36 million shares takes it another step closer to acquiring the entirety of RBPlat. DRDGold reported a profit and its 15th consecutive dividend despite various socio-economic challenges. Despite facing various operational disruptions, Sibanye was able to turn a profit of R12.3 billion. Adrian says the company’s continued success is because of the hard work of its people during a challenging year. The stock exchange hopes to change and simplify the exchange process through its recent funding round. TFG recently acquired Jet and Tapestry, seeing it enter into the value and home markets. The ETDP SETA CFO explains that learning and development is a finance leader’s armour. Leading CFOs share how they are enabling their finance teams and readying them for the future. The CFO has become a business enabler and one of the primary drivers of future development and success. Companies have been reviewing their business structures, and cutting the fat is resulting in leaner operations. Empowered investment holding company’s R1.6 billion expansion into the convenience fuel retail sector. Companies have been reviewing their business structures, and cutting the fat is resulting in leaner operations. Monthly online deliveries increase tenfold over two years and insurance range extends to gap cover. Companies have been forced to review their business structures, including shedding non-core assets. Companies have been forced to review their business structures, including their asset strategies. Calib Cassim and Adrian Maizey reveal the near-death and resurrection of Eskom and Starbucks SA. The global speaker laid down four provocations to change the way finance drives the growth of their organisations. Laila explains that the property industry is benefiting from retailers looking to strengthen their supply chains. The financial manager, like the REIT he works for, believes in continuous growth and improvement. The gold mine has been upgraded from a BBB- rating to a BB+ rating by S&P Global Ratings. After improving its financial and capital allocation, Sibanye’s credit rating has been upgraded to Ba2. Charl enjoys calculating new strategies both in the Sibanye Stillwater boardroom and on the shooting range. Dashni unpacks how Exxaro used the global economy to transition from recession in 2020, to growing in 2022. This will further accelerate the business’ impressive track record, says CFO Mark Stirton. The zinc resources company has invested R7 billion in a new expansion project in the Northern Cape. The PGM markets have seen a massive uptick in demand due to Covid-19 and the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Eric van der Merwe says 4Sight has turned its focus to retaining talent in the technology sector. Abigail explains that Sanlam’s focus on shared value creation has ensured consistent solid results. The GVK-Siya Zama CFO explains that the construction industry is expected to grow by 6.2 percent. Group CFO Tsholofelo Molefe says the acquisition fits into MTN’s plan to prioritise investments in its network. Punki says Absa’s new strengthened balance sheet gives it a strong base to navigate new challenges. The CFO explains that the group’s efforts to grow its client base have proven fruitful, and continue. The pharmaceutical company has launched its own health insurance offering, Dis-Chem Health. The REIT has ramped up its renewable energy plans with yet another sustainability-linked note. Greg Booyens says Emira’s main growth area is in US markets, as local markets experience continued pressure. He explains how Imperial plans to change the ESG narrative for the logistics and freight industries. The new strategy will give individuals, SMEs and the planet the opportunity to thrive, he says. Malcolm explained in a webinar that automation has improved Retailability’s reconciliation processes. How Douglasdale Dairy is changing the narrative for a traditionally non-sustainable industry. In 2019, Adrian was tasked with a mission to rescue 13 Starbucks Southern Africa stores. These CFOs all had to, and continue to, navigate the supply chain challenges that came with Covid-19. Arno explains that Standard Bank plans to turn its focus to the environment and new ecosystems. CompariSure has raised R15 million from HAVAÍC and 4Di Capital in a funding round. The acquisition will see Liberty become a wholly owned subsidiary of Standard Bank. The Petrocam CFO believes challenger brands across industries have an opportunity to make inroads today. Smollan Group has acquired the Argility Technology Group in a move to expand its global offering. The coal miner has reported a R2.67 billion revenue for the half-year and plans to diversify more. We take a look at some of the companies that managed to turn a loss into a profit. These are the big M&A stories that grabbed the attention of our community this year. These are the companies that are growing and generating revenue, despite pandemic challenges. The group has seen growth in its operating income and across its various revenue streams for the year. Sound financial management helps to ensure the survival and resilience of an organisation, says Soraya. The group has risen to the challenges of toughened environments and reported a revenue of R575 million. Netcare saw a nine percent profit margin for hospital and emerging services, and over six percent for primary care. Liquid Intelligent Technologies CFO Sandile Ntsele on finding success in new territories. Jurgens explains that Mediclinic has seen a return to pre-pandemic level revenues in the last six months. The pulp and paper company reported a profit of $13 million for 2021, after a $135 million loss in 2020. Afrimat’s three business segments saw a return to pre-Covid-19 volumes of operation. The CFO explains that the new model will be offset by savings in network capex, lease payments and more. Omnia has sold 90 percent of its stake in Umongo Petroleum as part of its new turnaround strategy. The technology services group has reported a R1.3 billion loss in 2020 to R150 million profit in 2021. CFO Nicholas Bofilatos explains that the group had been negatively impacted by two of its operations. CFO Charl Keyter said that the mine is looking to further invest in its green-metal portfolio. CFO Laila Razack says the loan forms part of Equites’ focus to becoming a globally relevant REIT. The group has seen positive profit growth from R296 million to R492 million for its 2021 half-year results. The foodservice group reported a R4.8 billion profit after difficult second and third quarters in 2021. Francois explains that a strong balance sheet and liquidity demonstrates the sustainability of Growthpoint. As the CFO, Chrisanthi has been instrumental in cementing Access Bank’s South African footprint. The Petrocam CFO unpacks his experience of expanding into markets with dominant incumbents. Turrito Networks’ Brian Timperley reveals why cutting the business down to size is a smart growth tactic. Standard Bank Group has seen positive recovery in its financial results for the first half of 2021. Rob unpacked his journey over the past two years during a CFO Community Conversation. Recent civil unrest has highlighted the need to ensure business operations can be maintained as far as possible. The group has spent R39.2 billion on its stakeholders and economic contributions for South Africa. Veliswa has played a critical role in the merger of Barloworld Motor Retail and NMI Durban South Motors. Not only does the group expect revenue growth, its debt levels have also improved beyond pre-Covid-19 levels. Brydon Report author believes focus needs to be on restoring trust in capital markets globally. Emira Property Fund has raised R805 million in sustainability-linked debt as part of its growing ESG focus. Revenue growth is challenging in the current economic climate and cost efficiency is crucial for survival. The New Equation aims to focus on trust and sustainability reveals PwC CEO Dion Shango. Strong all-round performance sets the stage for growth at Multichoice South Africa in 2022. The embattled broadcaster reported a monthly profit for April 2021 for the first time in five years. Sygnia’s low-cost passive investment strategy pays off with double digit growth despite Covid-19. Reunert has reported a significant recovery of its results due to its electrical engineering segment. Masibulele explains that, while they continue to reduce costs, there is room for higher reductions. The acquisition of Gravenhage will increase Afrimat’s scale in the ferrous-metal value chain. Ninety One saw positive results when asset prices recovered after the impact of Covid-19. Barloworld saw a 6.5 percent revenue increase, partially due to its two new acquisitions in 2020. The group’s gross profit margin has recovered to 12.3 percent as a result of its new strategy aimed at sustainability. Group CFO at e4, Adri Führi says embracing innovation is key to cultivating success. CFO Deepa Sita says Tiger Brands expects further improvement in the second half of the year. Ntobeko says Redefine is in a strong position to benefit from future growth in the property sector. Lerena explains that Pick n Pay’s growth strategy does not include its pharmacy division.Transnet CFO Nosipho Maphumulo maps the SOE’s route to recovery
Oceana is well-positioned for the future, says CFO Zaf Mahomed
CFO Innocent Gumbochuma: A strategic revival
Special Feature: Accounting for darkness (Part Four)
Oceana’s hard work pays off as it repays an additional R283 million US debt
From strife to strength: Surviving a recessionary economy
Oceana sees best results in five years, says CFO Zaf Mahomed
Barloworld results “exceedingly rewarding”, says FD Nopasika Lila
2023 needs to be the year of K.I.S.S. – Keep it simple, Sailor!
CFO Lehan le Grange: Let’s make 2023 a better year!
CFO Andri Geel aims to take 2023 in stride
A positive mindset will be the key to succeeding in 2023, says Sage’s Jordaan Burger
CFO Shaun Govender found clarity in the face of crisis
Special feature: A break in the chain (Part Five)
CFO Awards keynote reveals that finance leaders need to be ambidextrous
Special feature: A break in the chain (Part Four)
Special feature: A break in the chain (Part Three)
Special feature: A break in the chain (Part Two)
Special Feature: A break in the chain (Part One)
Finance Indaba sessions to reveal the art of growth during tough times
Harriet Heymans unpacks Sasfin’s R166.7 million improvement in headline earnings
CFO Raj Nana excited about future following resumption of Attacq dividends
CFO Mpho Thomas’s passion for learning and the rich career that came from it
Top CFOs reveal global crises can benefit Africa
CFO Dinner reveals the recipe for growth
CFO Abigail Mukhuba says Sanlam on strong growth trajectory
Top CFOs discuss how to be ‘antifragile’ during CFO Dinner
CFO Meroonisha Kerber unpacks Implats’ intentions to acquire RBPlat
CFO Riaan Davel says DRDGold has “survived well” during challenging circumstances
Sibanye Stillwater was resilient during a year filled with challenges, says CFO Charl Keyter
CFO Adrian Macartney accredits Aveng’s second year of profitability to the effort of its people
CTSE aims to digitise, demonetise and democratise financial markets, says CFO Mpho Thomas
CFO Bongiwe Ntuli’s passion for M&A is taking TFG into new markets
No soldier dares go to war without their armour, says CFO Nonhlanhla Mona-Dick
Strong relationships are leading the finance function into the future, Cape Town summit reveals
3 Things that can power CFOs to improve decision-making
Special Feature: Asset-light vs. asset-heavy (Part four)
Lionshare sets the stage to become leading B-BBEE retail fuel operator
Special Feature: Asset-light vs. asset-heavy (Part three)
CFO Rui Morais on the major strides Dis-Chem is making in the healthcare sector
Special Feature: Asset-light vs asset-heavy (Part two)
Special Feature: Asset-light vs asset-heavy (Part one)
CFOs Calib Cassim and Adrian Maizey unpack how they saved two sinking ships
Abdullah Verachia provokes CFOs to think about the future in CFO Day presentation
Supply chain disruptions pose new opportunity for Equites, says CFO Laila Razack
Henry Kühn on building a city
Gold Fields’ strong balance sheet earns it a credit rating upgrade, says CFO Paul Schmidt
CFO Charl Keyter says Sibanye Stillwater’s credit rating upgrade is well deserved
CFO Charl Keyter: A strategist at heart
Dashni Sinivasan talks about Exxaro’s outlook, tech automation and her love for sport
Studio 88 acquisition backs Mr Price’s vision of most valuable retailer in Africa
Vedanta Zinc to produce ‘green’ zinc in Northern Cape, says CFO Pushpender Singla
CFO Craig Miller unpacks the good and bad of increased PGM prices and demand
4Sight spends more on talent management amidst brain drain, says CFO
Sanlam ensures “no one is left behind” in 2021 results, says FD Abigail Mukhuba
Growth on the blueprints for the construction industry, says CFO John de Sousa
MTN South Africa plans to expand both 4G and 5G connectivity with new spectrum purchase
Absa ready for new challenges, reveals interim FD Punki Modise
Standard Bank’s result rebound a result of client franchise growth, says Arno Daehnke
Dis-Chem now a fundamental entry point to primary healthcare, says CFO Rui Morais
Fortress plans to exceed 12.7MWp in solar energy by 2025, says CFO Ian Vorster
Emira Property Fund’s investment in stronger economies offset local performance, says CFO
CFO George de Beer unpacks Imperial Logistics’ key focus on reducing its carbon footprint
CFO Jordaan Burger unpacks Sage’s new sustainability and society strategy in AME
CFO Malcolm Smith revealed how Blackline has empowered Retailability through automation
CFO Bradley Wentzel is shepherding Douglasdale Dairy’s unique ESG journey
How Adrian Maizey went from pursuing a career in tennis to one in the coffee industry
3 CFOs share how they navigate supply chain challenges
FD Arno Daehnke reveals the new future-ready Standard Bank
New funding allows CompariSure to reshape online interactions, says CFO Matt Kloos
Standard Bank acquisition of Liberty a “win-win”, says Liberty FD Yuresh Maharaj
Supply chain disruptions provide market growth opportunities, says CFO Ridwan Gany
CFO Richard Knight says the acquisition of ATG marks a strategic step forward for Smollan
Wescoal Holdings sees impressive level of cash generation, says CFO Jubilant Speckman
From loss to profit: companies that have managed to bounce back this year
The top M&A news that dominated headlines in 2021
Companies that overcame Covid-19 challenges to achieve outstanding results
Tiger Brands making progress to position itself for long-term growth, says CFO Deepa Sita
Inyathelo FD Soraya Joonas’s budgeting tips for resilient non-profit organisations
Premier Fishing and Brands builds on resilience of 2020, says CFO Brent Roberston
Netcare CFO Keith Gibson says improved trading profit margins have been encouraging
CFO Sandile Ntsele shares his lessons in navigating emerging markets
Demand for healthcare services drives growth for Mediclinic, says CFO Jurgens Myburgh
Sappi’s return to profitability a result of strong demand recovery, says CFO Glen Pearce
Afrimat experiences exceptional growth, says CFO Pieter de Wit
Cell C’s Zaf Mahomed says new operating model will prove beneficial in the longer term
Umongo Petroleum not part of Omnia’s sustainable future, says FD Stephan Serfontein
Doing good business pays off as EOH goes from loss to profit, says CFO Megan Pydigadu
Altron on the way to achieving 2.0 strategy, despite challenging operating environment
Sibanye-Stillwater looks to new geographies for green-metal mines
Standard Bank loan agreement marks another first for Equites in South Africa
Zeder plans a strategic shift after improved results, says CEO and FD Johann le Roux
Bidcorp Group sees improvements after second Covid-19 wave, says CFO David Cleasby
Prudent financial management pays off for Growthpoint, says CFO Francois Schindehütte
Chrisanthi Michaelides, the steadfast CFO behind Access Bank’s acquisition of Grobank
CFO Ridwan Gany shares his lessons for making a strong entrance
Brian Timperley says “Honey, I shrunk the business” is the best approach in tough times
Group FD Arno Daehnke pleased with Standard Bank’s growth
Tongaat Hulett CFO Rob Aitken unpacks climbing mountains “one step at a time”
Civil unrest: plan and prepare to maintain business continuity
CFO Craig Miller proud of Amplats’s record contribution to South Africa
Visionary Woman Leader: CFO Veliswa Rozani delivers the sale of Barloworld Motor Retail
Distell proves its resilience despite alcohol bans and civil unrest, says CFO Lucas Verwey
UK audit reform proposals have application elsewhere, suggests Sir Donald Brydon
CFO Greg Booyens says sustainability-linked funding is a good fit for Emira
Why CEOs are turning to cost efficiencies to save the bottom line
PwC launches global strategy to meet unprecedented change
Multichoice reports solid growth despite pandemic, reveals CFO Tim Jacobs
CFO Yolande van Biljon says SABC’s profitability illustrates the potential for financial self-sustainability
CFO Murad Sirkot says Sygnia sees opportunity in the new normal
CFO Nick Thomson says Reunert continues to have a strong, un-geared balance sheet
CFO Masibulele Dem says there is scope for improvement in Hulisani results
CFO Pieter de Wit says Gravenhage acquisition will propel Afrimat to mid-tier miner
CFO Kim McFarland says Ninety One kept focus despite the challenges of Covid-19
Nopasika Lila says Barloworld’s recent acquisitions have started to pay off
CFO Waldi Joubert unpacks Calgro M3’s return to profitability after three challenging years
Adri Führi on thriving in a high growth environment
Tiger Brands resumes dividends on back of improved operating performance
CFO Ntobeko Nyawo says Redefine will focus on liquidity
CFO Lerena Olivier on the sale of Pick n Pay’s retail pharmacy business