Opportunity magazine is a niche business-to-business publication that explores various investment opportunities within Southern Africa’s economic sectors. The publication is endorsed by the South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SACCI).
Contents ISSUE
Contents ISSUE 106 | AUG/SEPT/OCT 2023 10 14 16 20 22 32 42 48 50 SACCI NEWS Memorandums of Understanding have been signed with business delegations from Bulgaria and Colombia. SACCI AND BMR LAUNCH NEW SMALL BUSINESS GROWTH INDEX The baseline of the first SBGI shows the growth prospects of distressed small businesses. CENTURION LAW GROUP A powerhouse that is reshaping the legal landscape in Africa and beyond. Centurion is a leading Pan-African legal and business advisory conglomerate. MAKING ENERGY POVERTY HISTORY BY 2030 The African Energy Chamber champions responsible energy development, transparency and investment across the continent. BATTERY STORAGE IS THE ANSWER Now that renewable energy projects are underway, how to store power has become the big question. Local and foreign firms are scrambling to offer a wide variety of options. HOW TO CLOSE THE HYDROGEN SKILLS GAP Chemical Industries Education and Training Authority (CHIETA) CEO Yershen Pillay explains how cross-sector collaboration is the vital element that could see South Africa becoming a leader in the hydrogen economy. COPPER TRANSFORMED WAY THE WORLD WORKS BEFORE. IT’S ABOUT TO DO SO AGAIN Duncan Money and Robrecht Declercq, two of the editors of a new book on the history of copper, discuss some of the issues that the book unearthed. The book is a global study of a metal that has transformed the globe. This article first appeared in The Conversation. REVIVED INFRASTRUCTURE SPENDING BRINGS HOPE Government’s recent pledges to begin new builds and upgrades of road infrastructure offer hope to the transport and construction industries. Justin Manson of Webfleet, Bridgestone’s Mobility company, writes about government’s recent announcements on infrastructure spending. RISK ASSESSMENT IS VITAL FOR VEHICLE OPERATORS Vuyisani Titi, CEO of Lynx Transport Underwriting Managers, unpacks the risk and insurance challenges facing heavy commercial vehicle operators. 10 22 50 48
10034136 Commercial Banking Navigating the pain points of small manufacturers for the good of the country At the heart of Nedbank Commercial Banking’s offer to the manufacturing sector is a deep understanding of the pain points of the sector that helps us provide it with solutions and support so that it can better navigate the current difficulties experienced across South Africa. Amith Singh, Nedbank’s National Manager for Manufacturing, says: ‘The refined and bespoke solutions package for the manufacturing sector was a result of immersing ourselves in the industry to understand its nuances.’ Singh adds that, while there are global challenges, it is important to understand what is going on in the sector and what those pain points that keep our clients awake at night are. At a recent webinar organised by Creamer Media, the following factors hurting our businesses financially were highlighted: • Inability to reduce the crime rate effectively. • Government interference in the manufacturing sector. • Slow economic growth. • Infrastructure deficiencies. • Increasing steel prices and inflation as well as the rising-interest-rate cycle. • Intensifying impact of load-shedding. During the webinar it was estimated that load-shedding costs the country an estimated R900 million a day. Considering this together with rising unemployment, which currently stands at 35,6%, Singh believes that it is imperative for financial institutions to be aware of the challenges and, in turn, give the sector the support it needs to be future-fit. ‘It is no longer relevant to offer bespoke products with standard interest rates, terms and repayment conditions; it’s not the way we operate anymore. We pride ourselves on understanding our client’s business and strategy, partnering with them to achieve their strategic objectives, and tailoring solutions that include funding models,’ Singh added. ‘The approach may take a tad longer, but execution and speed are integral. It is imperative to note that fluctuations can impact the businesses that we partner with and radically so over a short span of time.’ Singh notes that funding is always a pertinent question; it is definitely no secret that any sector, industry or business needs funding to grow. ‘We understand and appreciate the importance of the manufacturing sector to the economy. What we add to this sector and the businesses within is not just a funding model. It is also our deep understanding of the sector and industry, as well as our integrity and understanding of the nuances that differentiate each industry from the next. We want to support their growth and, to do so, it is important to always stay true to knowing them, their business and their goals,’ Singh says. Nedbank is committed to providing the manufacturing industry with access to the right support, at the right time. ‘We believe that the manufacturing sector is key to growing South Africa’s economy and that strategic partnerships are vital to making this a reality,’ concludes Singh. If you want to know how we can help your business grow, get in touch with us at manufacturing@nedbank.co.za Nedbank Ltd Reg No 1951/000009/06. Licensed financial services and registered credit provider (NCRCP16).
