East Coast Radio - Catch Up Business Watch

Business Watch

Business Watch is a daily feature on East Coast Radio - on-air at 06:40 every weekday. It covers local business-related events. The feature is hosted by economist and award-winning radio producer, WR Van Der Merwe. To have your industry or business featured, send an e-mail to Businesswatch@ecr.co.za
Weekly English South Africa Business · Business News
114 Episodes
80 – 100

Sappi supports Gift of the Givers to assist flood victims in KZN

To provide some meaningful and immediate support to the affected people, Sappi Southern Africa has made a substantial donation of R1 million to The Gift of the Givers Association. “We chose the Gift of the Givers, because we have been continually impressed by this organisation that works so tirelessly in…
14 Apr 2022 1 min

KZN Unrest Last Year Still Impacting on Business

Serco Industries specialise in the design and manufacturing of insulated and dry freight truck bodies and trailers. These trailers are relied upon by Southern Africa’s leading transporters and long-distance hauliers to carry everything from ice cream to day-old chicks, from beef to bread – safely and hygienically. Serco’s CEO and…
14 Apr 2022 1 min

KZN floods will affect ATMs and other financial services

KZN is a disaster zone at the moment after floods ravaged the province, and unfortunately the everyday luxuries we accept as normal won't be available for a while. Standard Bank's Jean Hattingh said that several branches are closed for today and tomorrow as their staff is unable to reach them…
12 Apr 2022 1 min

Kanonkop is one of the favourites on a list of the world's most loved wine brands!

Drinks International has revealed its fifty most admired wine brands in the world for 2022. The brands have been chosen by the Academy, made up of the world’s leading wine experts, including buyers, sommeliers, wholesalers, bar owners, Masters of Wine, writers and educators from six continents around the globe. WR…
12 Apr 2022 1 min

KLM Increases Direct Flight Frequency To Cape Town

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines is proud to announce that it will be increasing the flight schedule between Cape Town and Amsterdam. WR Van Der Merwe has more in Business Watch. Image Source: Twitter
11 Apr 2022 1 min

MTN’s constant struggle in the fight against vandalism

Thieves have targeted cellphone base stations to steal expensive batteries and diesel fuel used to power the mobile network infrastructure - especially during rolling blackouts. Jacqui O’Sullivan – Executive corporate affairs at MTN joined WR Van Der Merwe to comment MTN’s constant struggle in the fight against vandalism
8 Apr 2022 2 min

Pick n Pay offers discount for pet insurance

Pick n Pay Pet Club – which is free to join – continues to grow steadily as members enjoy a range of benefits including 3X Smart Shopper points on all pet products to use as cashback, exclusive discounts, access to pet-related content and regular competitions. In the last year alone,…
7 Apr 2022 1 min

MTN's involvement in the community

MTN SA Foundation's purpose is to bring about meaningful, measurable and sustainable change that helps disadvantaged and rural communities to become self-sufficient. With a focus on innovative technology, we aim to uplift communities towards independence in this bold new digital world. Jacqui O’Sullivan – Executive corporate affairs at MTN joined…
6 Apr 2022 2 min

Lowrance celebrates 40 years in South Africa

Durban-based importers of Lowrance Marine Electronics, Lowrance SA, is celebrating the import of American Lowrance products to South Africa since 1982 (40 years). WR Van Der Merwe features Lowrance SA's MD, Lisbeth Plotz
5 Apr 2022 1 min

All about MTN's recent brand refresh

MTN’s Ambition 2025 strategy led to a significant evolution in the way they define themselves as a company. They are at an inflection point. 'Now, more than ever, true progress will be realised by closing the gap between CAN and DO.' Jacqui O’Sullivan – Executive corporate affairs is featured on…
1 Apr 2022 1 min

Segway tours are just one of Wild Coast Sun’s exciting leisure activities

Wild Coast Sun, Sun International’s only beachfront resort, has been a family holiday destination for more than 40 years, with an abundance of activities to choose from. One such activity is the popular Segway tours that take you exploring around the resort. For those who have zero experience or are…
31 Mar 2022 1 min

The reason behind SA's record-high unemployment rate

Stats SA has delayed the release of the latest unemployment data after more than a month of delay, and it's not looking good. The unemployment rate climbed to 35.3% in the fourth quarter of 2021, up from 34.9% in the previous period. This is indeed a record high, even though…
30 Mar 2022 1 min

Discovery Bank launches a travel service for account holders

Discovery Bank clients can now benefit from travel benefits and discounts, which has now been enhanced even more with Vitality Travel - the world's first shared-value travel booking platform Aside from booking travel arrangements through the new platform, it also allows travelers to acquire other travel-related services like travel insurance…
29 Mar 2022 1 min

Durban’s - artisanal I heart Market is back at Moses Mabhida

The market takes place on Saturday 2 April from 08:30 to 14:00. Entrance if free and dogs (on leashes) are welcome. There is secure underground parking at the Stadium. COVID protocols will be observed. The focus of the market is on local entrepreneurs with excellent quality, hand-crafted and bespoke artisanal…
28 Mar 2022 1 min

National water week: An opportunity to tap into new standards

In 2018, the National Water and Sanitation Master Plan identified a water supply deficit of 17% by 2030 for the country, putting water efficiency under the spotlight at a time when parts of the country were feeling the pinch of prolonged drought conditions. The Master Plan also targets developing a…
25 Mar 2022 1 min

Why higher repo rates are good for inflation

The South African Reserve Bank raised its benchmark repo rate by another 25 bps to 4.25% at its March 2022 meeting, as widely expected. This is the third consecutive hike due to increased inflation risks stemming from the war in Ukraine. Policymakers said that the overall risks to the medium-term…
24 Mar 2022 1 min

Anglo American off the grid: SA's Utility Death Spiral

Anglo American is taking its 19 South African operations completely off-grid. They plan to be 100% off the grid by 2030 and the plan is to be carbon-neutral by 2040. From an environmental perspective, it is certainly leading the way, and with a national energy utility not showing signs of…
23 Mar 2022 2 min

Pick n Pay launches unique in-store ‘vertical farms’

According to Pick n Pay, the United Nations has found that the global food supply will need to increase by 50% come 2050 in order to keep up with the estimated demand for a growing world population. The retailer says this urban farming method will contribute towards achieving that goal…
22 Mar 2022 1 min

MTN SA invests R700 million in developing network infrastructure in KZN

MTN’s focus on KZN will also deliver against MTN’s 2022 rural rollout objectives. The rollout will bring network and connectivity services to people in the most remote rural settlements of South Africa, and MTN aims to have over 100 rural deployments nationally in highly underserved areas by the end of…
18 Mar 2022 1 min
80 – 100