Focused SA Business Lens reporting and analysis on consumer.
South Africa’s new opt-out registry promises relief from spam calls — but consumers must wait
Published by SA Business Team South Africans tired of answering unwanted sales calls may finally have a national tool to push back — but…
Clicks passes R50bn, but retail volume growth remains modest
Clicks passed R50bn in annual turnover, but retail volume growth was only 0.3%. Its results show how expansion is supporting growth in a constrained…
Why South Africa’s 4.5% inflation rate may not match your household budget
South Africa’s 4.5% inflation rate is a national average. Transport, housing, insurance and borrowing costs explain why many household budgets feel under greater pressure.
Daily Market Wrap: rand, markets and business news for 21 October 2026
The latest South African market readings, business developments and an accessible investment lesson from SA Business Lens.
South African inflation rises to 4.5% in September
South Africa’s annual consumer inflation rate increased to 4.5% in September 2026, up from 4.4% in August, according to Statistics South Africa. The consumer…
Police seize counterfeit goods worth over R160m in Joburg raid
Police and SARS Customs seized more than 62,000 suspected counterfeit items valued at over R160 million during an operation in Johannesburg’s CBD.
Global Shipping Shifts Put South Africa’s Cape Route in the Spotlight
Disruption to international shipping has created opportunities along Africa’s coastline, but South Africa’s position beside the Cape shipping route does not guarantee a lasting…
Motorists Dodge Another Fuel Hike as Minister Rejects R3 RAF Levy
Transport Minister Barbara Creecy has rejected the RAF proposal to raise its fuel levy from R2.25 to R3.00 per litre, sparing motorists an extra…
Why a wireless phone still depends on undersea cables
A wireless connection is only part of the journey. Here is how land-based networks and undersea cables connect South Africans to overseas services.
South Africa is approving more building plans but completing fewer projects
South Africa approved more building plans in early 2026, yet completed projects fell sharply. SBL explains the construction pipeline gap and why it matters.
Treasury raises tax revenue forecast by R17.1 billion
Treasury has raised South Africa’s 2026/27 gross tax revenue forecast by R17.1 billion after stronger corporate tax, dividends tax and VAT collections.
Petrol levy cut by R1.50 a litre from 4 November
South African motorists will receive temporary fuel-levy relief from 4 November, with the general levy reduced by R1.50 a litre for petrol and R3…
South Africa’s tax revenue forecast rises by R17.1bn
South Africa’s gross tax revenue forecast for 2026/27 has been raised by R17.1 billion after collections from corporate income tax, dividends tax and VAT…
Daily Market Wrap: rand, markets and business news for 20 October 2026
The latest South African market readings, business developments and an accessible investment lesson from SA Business Lens.
175 new vehicles to boost Western Cape crime-fighting drive
The South African Police Service plans to deploy approximately 175 new vehicles across the Western Cape’s six policing districts as part of its Safer…
What Can R500 Buy at Shoprite, Checkers, Pick n Pay and Woolworths?
We compared a basket of basic groceries in Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town to see where shoppers could get the most for R500, and…
That ‘parcel delayed’ message could be a scam: FPB urges safer online habits
Messages about delayed deliveries or locked accounts can look convincing. The Film and Publications Board is urging South Africans to pause before clicking. A…
GDP reset could change South Africa’s debt ratio without changing its debt
South Africa is preparing to update its GDP estimates. A past revision shows why a changed debt ratio must be separated from changes in…