PAGE 3 PAGE 6 PAGE 9 PERSONAL FINANCE// OPINION// COVID-19// SPONSORED// FREE LUNCH OF THE ANC DETERMINED TO SICK UNTIL PROVEN GOOD MONEY HABITS INVESTING WORLD GO AHEAD WITH NHI HEALTHY - PANDA TO BUILD WEALTH
BizTHE RATIONAL PERSPECTIVENewsDigest WWW.BIZNEWS.COM SATURDAY 26 JUNE 2021 BIZNEWSCOM ‘We are entering very dark times’ BRIEFS SA lost – Nick Hudson on censorship R1.5trn The Free Market Foundation has presented its very first award to PANDA co-founder Nick Hudson for freedom of expression, to corruption decentralisation, and an evolutionary approach. BizNews founder Alec Hogg caught up with Hudson to unpack what the award in five years means to him and the rest of the PANDA team. “It’s been a long, hard struggle and a lot of the people at PANDA have put up with enormous risks and challenges to their livelihoods and careers,” Hudson explains. “So to have this recognition for them I think is particularly welcome and important.” – Claire Badenhorst Gautrain
Nick Hudson on the award the beginning has been that the commuter PANDA received from the Free response has been disproportion- numbers down Market Foundation ate and later on the response has “It was a delightful surprise, yes, actually worsened the situation. 76% and we had a wonderful evening So it’s rather strange to attack last night with a fairly lengthy people who take this perspective due to Covid-19 presentation and [I] thoroughly and support it with data and enjoyed it. I think true to their quality scientific perspectives colours, they were looking at the and somehow refute it by things Bitcoin drops work that PANDA had done and getting very bad in a country that our fight against dogma and a has had amongst the most insane below very bigoted version of science, policy responses on the planet.” and I think they saw in that $30,000 something that was consistent On what happens to PANDA next with the values of their organi- “We carry on fighting. With every for first time sation, and I think it was on that passing day, people come around since Jan basis that the citation reads as it to our view and begin challenging does and they decided that the © Zapiro (All Rights Reserved). Originally published in Daily Maverick. the narrative that they’ve been members of PANDA deserved fed. They begin seeing that what Attacq to add the recognition and it was very our academic institutions and who looks at the data has a dif- public health officials all around welcome. You know, it’s been a public health institutions and this ferent interpretation and sees the the world have done is to pro- R500m long, hard struggle and a lot of notion of science as an authoritar- world differently from the average mote a narrative of fear – fear the people at PANDA have put ian concept, as there being such a person. You know, they’re at risk that causes people to possess a micro apartments up with enormous risks and thing as settled science, as science of being cancelled and censured completely distorted perception challenges to their livelihoods is something that you should and bullied, really, by these peo- of risk. The fear is always going in development to and careers. So to have this follow, almost a trademarked ‘the ple who are doing something that one direction, which is towards Waterfall City mix recognition for them I think science’ kind of concept. And it’s couldn’t, in any normal world, be overestimating risk and, you is particularly welcome and very antithetical to what science is described as scientific. know, in those circumstances, important.” actually about, which is conjecture Well, it’s symptomatic of the it’s terminal to critical thinking and criticism, dissent and debate, really weird thinking of a lot and to the ability to make wise Old Mutual On why people at PANDA are driving the formation of new of our critics because none of decisions and evaluate risk appro- under pressure knowledge, the creation of new what we have to say is anything pr i at e l y.” investors to share “There’s a very strange authori- knowledge. It’s in that authoritari- to deny the existence of Coro- tarian aspect that has infiltrated an environment where somebody navirus. Our perspective from Listen to the full interview R10.4bn of Nedbank stock Subscribe here for your weekly BizNewsDigest Subscribe now 2 | SATURDAY 26 JUNE 2021 WWW.BIZNEWS.COM SA INVESTING Brakes put on SA’s economic recovery – Heystek
he ever-outspoken Magnus Heystek adds his value as co-host of the DOWNLOAD THE FREE BizNews Power Hour, outlining Ta number of sad realities faced by South BIZNEWS.COM APP Africa’s economic recovery. The painfully slow rollout of Covid-19 vaccinations has caused infections to balloon in many parts of South Africa, causing paranoia that we may be headed for further lockdowns. Magnus warns that if lockdowns are extended BN indefinitely, many businesses in some of the hardest-hit sectors will not have the resources to see through this never-ending nightmare. – Justin Rowe-Roberts Click on the links below to download your own free Magnus Heystek on the impact of further BizNews.com App lockdowns as a result of the third wave “It does have an impact – there’s no question about it. If I look at my consumption behaviour, no more going to restaurants, no more going to the supermarket, and if you © Zapiro (All Rights Reserved). Originally published in Daily Maverick. take that nationally it will have an impact. It’ll affect people who are already the hardest hit given the slow vaccine rollout On government’s stranglehold of power in terms of earning an income and keeping a “We need the wealthy tourists in South Africa, “It’s the way the government is controlling job, unfortunately. I’ve seen some commentary especially the Western Cape, Kruger National the narrative. The so-called family chats our from Deutsche Bank saying that there may Park, KwaZulu-Natal – we need the dollars. president has with the nation is one way experts around him and that is very frustrating be question marks regarding our economic And we are not getting those dollars. There’s communication – you guys sit down and because there are numerous questions people recovery as a result of the slow rollout.” been a massive adjustment in those sectors shut up and I’ll talk. There is no way that a want to ask.” and some people simply won’t make it if this free press or a critical analyst can question On the negative economic effects on tourism lockdown is extended indefinitely.” President Ramaphosa or his collection of Listen to the full interview
Brait’s chief executive talks the turnaround story
nce the darling of the local bourse, Premier, New Look and Consol. These are Brait’s fall from grace over the past really high quality assets. So I suppose the few years has been nothing short of risk that people have coming in is whether Odisastrous. The private-equity powerhouse we are right about our valuations – I am turned debt-laden investment house has left relatively confident of that. I think another a sour taste in many portfolio managers’ issue which people rightly raise is the level mouths, with value destruction totalling of debt within Brait – at a holding compa- hundreds of billions of rands. Peter ny level as well as an operating company Hayward-Butt has the unenviable task of l e v e l .” getting the once juggernaut back on track and formed part of the BizNews Power On the performance of Virgin Active through Hour on results day. Peter, an ex-investment Covid-19 banker and also chief executive of Ethos Private Equity, was quietly confident “It’s a high quality portfolio of different on the performance of the underlying territories – it’s a household name in South businesses throughout the Covid-19 period, Africa, it’s a high quality business in the UK, maintaining that company has a number of it’s got a dominant position in Italy and it Illuminated signs hang on the exterior of a New Look clothing retail store, owned by quality businesses within the Brait stable. operates in the Asia-Pacific region, that being Brait SE, in London. Photographer: Luke MacGregor/Bloomberg – Justin Rowe-Roberts Singapore, Thailand and Australia. It really is a global business in the health and wellness Peter Hayward-Butt on the new look (no pun world has changed and that was the start of On the heavy discount to net asset value in space. Covid-19 has been a disaster for the intended) Brait a bit of a downward spiral in terms of the net the Brait share price business. That being said, I think management asset value per share of the company. Ethos has done a great job in pulling it through over “Brait has a great history. It’s obviously had a was lucky enough to come in as parts of the “We do a huge amount of work with third the last 12 to 15 months.” troubled last four or five years but it has a great rights issue around a year ago. It’s early days parties to ensure that our net asset value history. The start of the troubles were when for us but we’ve taken over a great portfolio is as close to fair value as what we believe. they bought into New Look – at the time it of assets. There’s still lots of work to be done I think we’ve got a portfolio of four really Listen to the full interview seemed a great place to be. As we know, the in a Covid world.” great core companies – Virgin Active, 3 | SATURDAY 26 JUNE 2021 WWW.BIZNEWS.COM OPINION Why is the ANC determined to go ahead with NHI?
he NHI (National Health Insurance) and other failing SOEs – will then (magically) aims to give the state a monopoly succeed in supplying ‘free’, comprehensive, over healthcare in South Africa. and high-quality healthcare to the entire South TAccording to Dr Anthea Jeffery, this would African population, already some 60-million be done by bringing medical aid providers strong. under government control, “regulating all medical schemes into bankruptcy, and Inconvenient truths that contradict the NHI leaving the country (in the words of former fantasy health minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi) This fantasy can be sustained only by turning with a single ‘giant state-run medical a blind eye to many inconvenient truths. These aid’. ” Chris Hattingh of the FMF has also include the following: expressed concerns over the idea of NHI, • no attempt at accurate costing has been telling BizNews that he has fears it will be made, so estimates of NHI costs range run like any other state-owned entity. “The from R256bn a year (the figure in the NHI will simply create another state-owned NHI Bill) to ‘more than’ the R460bn spent enterprise that the state will have to pay back on health in both the public and private the debt on. There’s no guarantee that the sectors in 2019 (as suspended health Dr Anthea Jeffery is the head of policy NHI will function any better than the other minister Dr Zweli Mkhize has suggested); research at the IRR SOEs.” Below, Jeffery discusses – in great • some 73% of the R529bn in personal detail – how the NHI can only be sustained income tax collected in 2019 was paid by ignoring certain truths, and answers why A state monopoly over healthcare by a mere 529,230 individual taxpayers, the ANC is so determined to steam ahead The NHI is aimed at nationalising the many of whom are skilled, mobile and with the concept. – Jarryd Neves private healthcare sector and giving the likely to emigrate as healthcare crumbles state a monopoly over all healthcare in the under the NHI; By Anthea Jeffery country. This is to be achieved by bringing • in 2017, well before the massive economic The National Health Insurance Bill of 2019 private providers under comprehensive state shock of Covid-19 lockdowns, the Davis (the NHI Bill) is back before Parliament, for control, regulating all medical schemes into Tax Committee warned that the NHI was the National Assembly’s portfolio committee bankruptcy, and leaving the country (in the ‘unlikely to be sustainable’, while the on health (the health committee) is busy words of former health minister Dr Aaron National Treasury said it was ‘no longer improve it, while more than 60% are hearing oral presentations from those who Motsoaledi) with a single ‘giant state-run affordable’; and considering emigrating when the new asked in their written submissions for the medical aid’: the NHI Fund. • some 85% of health professionals system comes in. chance to address MPs directly. According to the ANC, this single provider canvassed in a Solidarity opinion poll The IRR made its presentation on Tuesday – which will be just as inefficient and corrupt in October 2019 said the NHI would Read the full article here this week. as Eskom, Transnet, Prasa, SAA, the SABC ‘destabilise’ healthcare, rather than
“The great divide is closer than we might guess”
n this thought-provoking piece, Chuck The Abraham Accords took many people by rockets at Israel in 2021. They are adamant Stephens discusses the inevitability of surprise. Suddenly Arabs in the Gulf states and that there must be a Two State Solution, and a ‘great divide’. Drawing on examples North Africa were willing to agree to a new they even seem to prefer Hamas (in Gaza) to Ifrom history, Stephens looks at how way forward with Israel. This put the “Two the Palestinian Authority (on the west bank). numerous countries have split into two or State Solution” on the back foot. Suddenly more – “Yugoslavia exploded into several the Palestinians were being drawn into an Read the full article here countries and Czechoslovakia split in two, enlarged Israel. But the Biden camp did not like Trump scoring such political points – not inspiring both the Basques and the Catalans Read also: in Spain to secede. But any serious talk of in election year. So they leaned away from the splitting South Africa in two is considered integrated approach, and basically cheered SLR: Helen Zille tackles “wokeness” to be retrogressive and racist.” While he for Hamas when it unleashed a volley of and risks being “cancelled” again notes that he is an opponent of a two-nation theory, Stephens writes that various forces seem to be pushing us there. “Like Zille, I am not in favour of a split. However, the hardening attitudes of the majority lead me to believe that it is getting to be inevitable, BizNews 360 Potgooi and closer than you might guess.”
By Chuck Stephens (met Charl Botha) Helen Zille’s new book #STAY WOKE, Go Broke is delivering the same sort of warning to South African citizens that I wrote in my Charl Botha gesels met Chris Hattingh book of last year, Orania and Azania. The Liberals like Zille occupy a shrinking van die Vrye Mark Stigting problem is that social cohesion is falling apart. middle space in politics. They don’t want to Lucky for her, she wrote her book after George slide too far to the Left, into nightmares like In die potgooi het ek met Chris Hattingh - adjunk-direkteur van die Vrye Floyd’s death. Mine was already out before Zimbabwe and Venezuela. But they want to Mark Stigting - gesels oor die waarde van 'n vrye mark stelsel. Ek het hom that. Not that I think that incident was any be progressive too, not stick-in-the-mud gun- ook gevra wat ons as landsburgers kan doen om vrye mark beginsels en different from many that we have seen in the totin’ conservatives like the Alt-Right. For so projekte in Suid Afrika te bevorder. Ons het ook geraak aan die oorsprong media both before and since – and both in long, they called the country to leave apartheid America and South Africa. But George Floyd’s and enter a new era of rapprochement. But she en inhoud van die ANC se "National Democratic Revolution" visie. death was like the proverbial straw that broke is right that the prospect of reconciliation has the camel’s back. Straw is not very heavy, but taken a huge blow from the rising sentiments Besoek BizNewsRadio.com om when the load gets to a certain point, that’s in America. The status quo is being shaken. all it takes to snap the poor camel’s spine. Monuments are falling. nog potgooie te luister 4 | SATURDAY 26 JUNE 2021 WWW.BIZNEWS.COM BIZNEWS TV Latest crypto scam steals IN SHORT MTN accused of financing Iranian terrorist groups Africa’s largest wireless carrier MTN and Chinese technology company about R54bn from investors ZTE were accused in a US lawsuit of indirectly supporting an Iranian terrorist campaign that resulted in Americans being injured and killed in Iraq. More than 50 Americans claim MTN and ZTE did business We’ve told our clients from the beginning that Bitcoin or any other currency is not with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. a registered product in South Africa. We don’t comment on it. We don’t deal in it and if you go invest in it, it’s at your own risk, go somewhere else. We have sent out several newsletters saying we cannot comment on it – do not ask us about Bitcoin. Gauteng sees Covid-19 infection surge It’s not a licensed product and I don’t want to be the first financial adviser who On Tuesday, 67% of South Africa’s new coronavirus cases were in stands in front of the ombud and the ombud asks me, explain to me how Bitcoin Gauteng, according to the National Institute of Communicable Diseases, while the number of regional hospitalisations has jumped by almost a works, Mr Heystek, and I don’t know. You just walk away from it. third in the past week to more than 5,200. Gauteng’s daily totals have soared by almost 38% over the same period, meaning the admission nother massive crypto numbers will likely worsen. scam has been uncovered by Darren Hanekom of AHanekom Attorneys. He joined Alec Hogg on the BizNews Power Bitcoin’s 2021 gains become a memory Hour to explain what Africrypt Bitcoin’s decline amid a crypto crackdown from China has pushed it is and how it managed to steal below $30,000 for the first time since January, nearly pulverising its about R54bn from its investors – entire 2021 gain. The original cryptocurrency has lost more than 50% which includes high-profile South from its mid-April high of almost $65,000, leaving it up marginally Africans and celebrities. – Claire for the year. Badenhorst
Darren Hanekom on what Afric- mRNA Covid-19 vaccine to be produced in SA rypt is and how it differs client was isolated from the next. in the billions.” South Africa is planning to make vaccines locally using messenger “Well, right now, the investiga- From what we understand, there RNA, the breakthrough technology of the global inoculation effort tions are still in infancy stage. It’s weren’t massive telegram groups, Magnus Heystek on crypto against Covid-19. The manufacturing will be conducted by the state- always tricky to know exactly the there weren’t massive WhatsApp “You know, I have an old saying owned Biovac Institute, said WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom magnitude of how big these mat- groups, there wasn’t massive sort when it comes to these kinds Ghebreyesus. That will be part of a broader vaccine technology-transfer ters are or whether it’s potentially of client community engagement. of things. It says a fool and his hub in the country, he said. connected to other schemes or So that’s why it’s tricky to under- money should not be locked up global schemes. So with regards stand the depth of the alleged in the same room for an extended to the magnitude, it started a lot theft, but from what we’ve seen, period of time because they’re SA ready for global monetary policy tightening smaller in respect of client indi- at the very least, hundreds and going to do stupid things. And South Africa’s central bank governor said the country is in a strong vidual balances. So clients would hundreds of millions of dollars, if the crypto thing, the Bitcoin, and position to deal with global monetary policy tightening and the gradual send funds, which would then be not billions of dollars, from what all the other stuff has got lots of pullback by policymakers from the stimulus measures enacted amid converted into coins on a wallet. we’ve seen on the Blockchain elements of this. In the last two to the Covid-19 pandemic. When developed countries start to normalise They would be shown this wallet after following client transaction three years, the hype, the bubble interest rates, Africa’s most industrialised nation will be “going into address on a weekly/monthly ba- and client wallet balances. So the – it just got bigger and bigger and normalisation from a very solid basis,” said Lesetja Kganyago. sis; they would be shown their re- magnitude fluctuates given the bigger.” spective balances. [There] wasn’t a movement and price of Bitcoin at community element to it. So one any given time. But it does rank Watch the full interview here Visit BizNews.com for the latest business and finance news
large UK study at the University of Oxford is to investigate the use of Ivermectin anlam’s Benchmark Survey, a yearly analysis of the local retirement fund as a possible treatment for Covid-19, reports Bloomberg. Ivermectin, a industry, shows that retirement fund members suspended their contributions drug used to treat parasite infections in humans and livestock, is already in across all fund types for an average of four-and-a-half months in 2020 because Awidespread use in South Africa. Sof Covid-related lockdowns.
View the full video here View the full video here
“SAs need to be very cautious” – Reinventing retirement – A 12J Latest crypto scam steals about R54bn Discovery’s Dr Ryan Noach on the third opportunity with Lucid Ventures from high profile SA investors wave 5 | SATURDAY 26 JUNE 2021 WWW.BIZNEWS.COM BIZNEWS POWER HOUR Value in legacy-stricken names like PPC, Tongaat
s is customary for a Monday, veteran good management with new CEOs – look at analyst David Shapiro was the co- Woolworths, Invicta, PPC, EOH and Tongaat. host for the BizNews Power Hour Those are the businesses where you’ve got Asharing his insights and expertise on a few strong new management who are not going long-standing JSE-listed counters, many to be dragged down by legacy. I think if you of which are showing signs of recovery want to outperform the rest of the market following years of free-fall. Shapiro, there are great opportunities here.” whose ‘takeover portfolio’ has performed magnificently over the past year or so, still On his stance towards Bob van Dijk, chief sees value in legacy-stricken names such as executive of Naspers and Prosus PPC and Tongaat. His thesis is based on “Give him more time. But he doesn’t have to management overhauls and a generally do anything, Tencent is doing the work for more positive macro backdrop. – Justin us at the moment. The rest of the portfolio Rowe-Roberts is going to take time and you are not going to lose anything, that’s the point. You’ve got David Shapiro on whether PPC is a solid Tencent, it’s doing what it’s doing, it’s growing. investment at current levels David Shapiro is the Deputy Chairman at Sasfin Securities The others, in time, will add to the bottom “I still think they are cheap. All you have to line. You don’t have to become too clever and do is compare the asset values, the amount on an upward journey. Especially if you look “The problem is that we have become index do the maths, just leave it and stay with where it costs you to buy these businesses relative at results, which are starting to point in the huggers – we are so scared to break away y ou are .” to where they are and what they represent in right direction.” from the norm just in case we get caught Listen to the full interview the economy. I’m not a great value investor out. We’ve got British American Tobacco, but these are areas you simply cannot ignore. On the value opportunities (ie. PPC, Tongaat Prosus and yet below that are businesses Value destruction at cement producer If you hold PPC now, I still think you’ll be etc) on the JSE that have been around for so long, have got PPC – Ted Black
Click here to catch the live stream of the BizNews BizNews Power Hour Power Hour, weekdays from 5:30 - 6:30pm. JSE threatens to suspend Labat over Bob van Dijk unpacks Naspers/ with Alec Hogg missed deadline - Van Rooyen explains Prosus results with Alec Hogg The BizNews Power Hour, hosted by Alec Hogg, airs weeknights at 5:30pm on BizNews Dr Ryan Noach discusses the severity of the Third Wave. Currently Cape Town’s Fine Music Radio (101.3FM) and in Johannesburg at 7pm on ChaiFM Power raging in Gauteng, Noach discusses the pandemic from a South African Hour (101.9FM). You can also catch it on www.biznewsradio.com. perspective. Talking to Alec Hogg, he says SA’s daily infections are 30% above where they were in the prior peak of the second wave.
10x founder Steven Nathan dives into the market action for us on BizNews Tuesday, speaking to Jackie Cameron. Steven’s in-depth understanding BizNews BizNews editor-at-large Jackie Cameron interviewed Pam Golding Power of businesses, both locally and abroad, always makes for intriguing Hour Power chief executive Andrew Golding during Thursday’s BizNews Power listening. Given the ‘fasten your seatbelt’ period markets find Hour Hour, where the seasoned property expert was buoyant regarding South themselves in, Steven gives a rational perspective into a number of JSE Africa’s residential property markets. heavyweights, including Naspers, Prosus and the darling of the local bourse over the past 12 months, Sasol.
Well-known as one of South Africa’s best fund managers, Piet Viljoen BizNews joined the BizNews Power Hour to discuss what’s caught his eye on Peter Major joins BizNews editor-at-large Jackie Cameron talking all Power BizNews the markets. From Sanlam to Sasol, editor-at-large Jackie Cameron things commodities and resource shares. Peter has covered commodity Hour Power picks Viljoen’s brain, gaining his insights into various investment Hour counters on the local bourse for many years, having seen many super- cycles play out. Peter is bearish resources stocks, explaining that the opportunities. He weighs in on coal investing as well as global mobility enthusiasm in the commodity prices are at unexplainable levels. platform, Karooooo. 6 | SATURDAY 26 JUNE 2021 WWW.BIZNEWS.COM COVID-19 Covid-19: Sick until proven healthy – PANDA
t has been widely understood ill. Infectious aerosols remain suspended for that Covid-19 may be spread by longer in cold, dry air. Hence respiratory asymptomatic individuals – people viruses transmit most efficiently during Iwho are infected yet show no symptoms colder seasons (Ref). People spend more of sickness. According to authors Abir time indoors during cold weather, where poor Ballan and Helen Tindall, this has resulted ventilation leads to higher concentrations in various public health recommendations of infectious aerosols remaining in the air. – like mask-wearing, social distancing and Spending time in crowded indoor spaces also lockdowns. Both Tindall and Ballan write increases the risk of transmission (Ref, Ref that the concern of Covid-19 being spread by & Ref). Furthermore, lack of exposure to the asymptomatic people came from one report. sun in colder weather results in lower Vitamin Below, the pair discuss how most infections D levels, and greater susceptibility to illness occur and, while an asymptomatic person if infected (Ref). may test positive for Covid-19, it doesn’t Infection with the SARS-CoV-2 virus causes necessarily mean that they are infectious. some individuals to become ill with Covid-19. -Editor Many people have had previous exposure to other related coronaviruses. These individuals By Abir Ballan, MPH and Helen Tindall, BNg, develop mild or no symptoms following MPH came from a single case report. It was alleged way into the respiratory tract of new hosts in infection with SARS-CoV2, most likely due that an asymptomatic woman from China a large enough quantity (known as the ‘viral to protection conferred by this exposure. Across the globe, official public health policy had spread the virus to 16 other contacts in load’ or ‘infectious dose’) to infect them. Cross-immunity has been demonstrated in during the Covid-19 pandemic has been Germany. Later reports showed that, at the The theory of fomite transmission (touching multiple studies (Ref) (Ref) (Ref) (Ref). “The underpinned by the concern that people time of contact, this woman was actually contaminated surfaces and then touching the evidence that a subset of people has a cross- without disease symptoms may transmit the taking medication for flu-like symptoms, face) is not supported by scientific evidence reactive T cell repertoire through exposure to virus. This has led to recommendations such invalidating the evidence provided for the (Ref). related coronaviruses is strong.” (Ref). as universal mask-wearing, social distancing, theory of asymptomatic transmission. The most significant risk factor for People presenting with symptoms of mass testing, stay at home orders and school As with other common respiratory viruses, Covid-19 disease is advanced age and the Covid-19 are almost exclusively responsible and business closures. SARS-CoV-2 spreads by being exhaled, presence of underlying health issues such for transmitting SARS-CoV-2. “Searching for people who are asymptomatic coughed or sneezed into the air (Ref). The as cardiovascular disease, obesity and type yet infectious is like searching for needles that largest droplets fall quickly and settle on the 2 diabetes (Ref, Ref). Both factors contribute appear and reappear transiently in haystacks, ground whilst the most lightweight particles, to a frail immune system. In addition to the Read the full article here particularly when rates are falling.” (Ref) known as aerosols, may remain suspended in health status of the exposed person, the The concern that SARS-CoV-2 could be the air for days (Ref). Once the virus is present environment in which exposure occurs also The UGLY truth about the Covid-19 spread by people without symptoms originally in the environment, it spreads by finding its affects the probability of that person falling lockdowns – Nick Hudson You can be fired for refusing Covid-19 vaccine
s the South African vaccine Companies have until the end of June to He also said that even if someone has an programme continues to gain develop a vaccination plan, in which they allergy, the risk of an allergic reaction will momentum, more and more must identify those employees that will be need to be weighed against the risk of a Acitizens are receiving their jab in the required to receive the vaccine. Covid-19 infection in the workplace. hopes that some day, we may return to ENSafrica explained that the directive pre-pandemic normality. However, there requires that identified employees are Read the full article here are millions of individuals across the globe notified of their obligation to get a vaccine who refuse to take the vaccine. Many are when it becomes available. fearful of the side-effects while others are Employees must also be informed of their just vehemently opposed to vaccinations in right to refuse to be vaccinated on consti- general. Others have a belief in any number An attendee receives a dose of the Pfizer- tutional or medical grounds which include of conspiracy theories, from tracking to BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine during an bodily integrity, freedom of religion, belief mind control. Whatever the reason may be, Atlanta Braves baseball game at Truist and opinion, and an immediate allergic South Africans who refuse the Covid-19 Park. Photographer: Elijah Nouvelage/ reaction of any severity to a previous dose vaccine may see their livelihood at risk. Bloomberg or a known allergy to a component of the According to MyBroadband, companies Covid-19 vaccine. in SA are allowed to fire staff who refuse Solidarity, has said that it will take legal Workers must also be given an opportu- the inoculation. However, termination will action against any employer or company nity to request a consultation with a health only be allowed (and legal) if “the employer who dismisses individuals for choosing not and safety representative, worker represen- complies with several strict requirements to be vaccinated. – Jarryd Neves tative, or trade union official. set out in a directive issued by the Minister Should an employee have a valid concern, of Employment and Labour earlier this By MyBroadband employers must try and accommodate month.” Should a worker have a valid Employers in South Africa may dismiss them such as through a remote working concern about taking the vaccine, employers staff who refuse to receive a vaccina- arrangement, or by allowing them to work need to accommodate them by creating a tion against the coronavirus that causes at the office while wearing protective work-from-home arrangement, for example. Covid-19. clothing. Valid reasons for refusal include freedom However, such termination will only be Deputy secretary for strategy and sus- of religion, belief and opinion as well as “an legal if the employer complies with several tainability at Solidarity, Paul Mardon, told immediate allergic reaction of any severity strict requirements set out in a directive Rapport that very few people will be able to to a previous dose or a known allergy to issued by the Minister of Employment and submit valid reasons for refusing the shot. a component of the Covid-19 vaccine.” Labour earlier this month. Vaccine-hesitancy over distrust of the Interestingly, distrust of the government or This is according to Rapport, quoting legal government or vaccine manufacturers will hesitancy over the vaccine are not considered professionals from ENSafrica and Webber not be considered a valid reason, Mardon valid reasons. South African trade union, Wentzel. stated. 7 | SATURDAY 26 JUNE 2021 WWW.BIZNEWS.COM COVID-19 Be your own President – lockdown your life
r Daniel Israel outlines the reality of explanation about appropriate medication, what’s going on in hospitals. People warning signs of deterioration and, most with severe Covid-19 symptoms importantly, contact tracing in a desperate Doften wait hours for a bed – and it’s not just attempt to curtail further spread. Every the elderly and those with co-morbidities day, our doctors admit at least one or two suffering anymore. “I admitted a 37-year- patients who simply aren’t coping at home. old man who isn’t overweight and has no However, admission is no longer a gold- co-morbidities. He has now spent a week in en bullet. Patients are often admitted via a top facility, his oxygenation progressing casualty, where they wait fIve or six hours from nasal oxygen, to a high-flow system, for the availability of a normal bed. The to non-invasive CPAP (constant positive fortunate patients who receive direct ad- airway pressure), to a full ventilator. His mission from home to a ward are the select prognosis is guarded.” As Dr Israel writes, he few who manage to access limited hospital is aware of the negative impacts lockdowns resources. may have – socially and emotionally, for However, being one in a hundred patients example – but notes that now isn’t the time admitted with Covid-19 at a hospital like to live normally. “We need to be smarter Netcare Linksfeld Hospital is far from than our government, and pull in the reins ideal. Provincial statistics are showing that over this surge, which is projected to peak draconian – measures of hospital isolation 20% to 25% of admitted patients require in two to three weeks.” Something of a of the seriously ill and those home bound critical-care beds. These beds are full. silver lining in an otherwise dark cloud, with infection. Surely these problems affect only “other” Israel writes that waves and Covid-19 will The 16 months that have passed since the people? I will let you decide. Last week, I certainly pass. “Keep your head up. Be your Wuhan fiasco, the initial knee-jerk lock- admitted a 37-year-old man who isn’t over- own president.” – Jarryd Neves down, and the economic devastation have weight and has no co-morbidities. He has disempowered our authorities from im- now spent a week in a top facility, his oxy- By Dr Daniel Israel plementing harsh enough measures at this genation progressing from nasal oxygen, to If you struggled to imagine what was go- sensitive time in Gauteng. Let me share a a high-flow system, to non-invasive CPAP ing on in Wuhan in March 2020 as I did at few insights as to how rampant Covid-19 is (constant positive airway pressure), to a untimely stage in their lives. I’m not a pes- the time, June Gauteng 2021 is your oppor- in Gauteng at the moment. full ventilator. His prognosis is guarded. simist, and I do see various solutions. tunity to vicariously relive that situation. My own family medicine practice has Like yours, my Facebook feed is flood- An unexplored virus. Disproportionate diagnosed an excess of 20 cases a day this ed with people sharing their pain about Read the full article here loss and grief. Draconian – and now not so past week. Each patient requires a careful loved ones succumbing to this virus at an Dr Ryan Noach on the severity of the third wave
iscovery Health CEO Dr Ryan North West seems to have also potential- was that same period of Level five restric- Noach joined the BizNews Power ly reached the peak – and that’s looking tions. Try and do all your shopping online Hour to discuss the severity of the good. Limpopo has had a terrible third and really confine yourself to your home Dthird wave. Currently raging in Gauteng, wave and it’s still on the way up. KZN had until this settles – for at least a couple of Noach discusses the Covid-19 pandemic a very high infection level, in our view, weeks.” from a South African perspective. Talking from previous waves – where we put the to Alec Hogg, he says SA’s daily infections Eastern Cape over 90% and Gauteng below Listen to the full interview here are 30% above where they were in the prior 50% – we had KZN round about the 80% peak of the second wave. – Jarryd Neves mark. We think, also potentially, protected against the severe surge. But it is a large On the third wave and why it’s more viru- population and relatively densely populat- lent than the first and second waves ed, so we’ll have to wait and see.” “I wish I was wrong a week ago, but we’re seeing new deadly infections 30% above On the Free State and Western Cape where they were in the prior peak of the “Free State seems also to have peaked in second wave. We haven’t seen the likes of this wave. We’re hoping that it’s on the way these infection numbers in Gauteng before. Discovery Health CEO Dr Ryan Noach down. Western Cape escalations have been Our view about Gauteng is that it was quite high over the last few days. We po- one of the least affected provinces. On happens in the hospitals [in the next] two sitioned their previous infections at about our estimates, about 45% of Gauteng had weeks.” the 60% mark. What that means for us is been previously infected with Covid-19. that it’s quite difficult to predict, because it’s If you compare it to the Eastern Cape, for On the Eastern Cape and other provinces on the edge of that so-called herd immuni- example, our estimates were 90% + had a “It’s extremely dangerous to make predic- ty threshold. We think there is some risk in previous Covid-19 infection. That means tions about this disease, which is unpre- the Western Cape and all over the coun- that underlying immunity in Gauteng dictable and which surprises us around try. People should be very cautious – but is really absent. There are no antibodies every corner. How I would put it, is to say particularly we think Western Cape and through previously infected people. that if the Eastern Cape does experience Gauteng at the moment.” So we think that predisposes Gauteng, a surge, we think it will be much lower potentially, to a very bad wave. We said than wave two – and that it will be a more On the challenges of interprovincial travel this before the wave began – unfortunately, manageable surge. Again, we do not have a “Interprovincial mobility is a huge prob- it’s proving to be correct. I think the scary crystal ball and it’s not possible to predict lem, because we do end up just seeding part is that hospitals are quite full already how this disease unfolds. The Northern the infection all the way down the the path and the hospital admissions tend to follow Cape was interesting. It went through a that we take to wherever our destination is. about two weeks after the infections. With terrible third wave – but it’s on the way The strong advice – and I couldn’t be more the infection numbers we’ve seen the last down the other side now, reducing daily firm around this – is to stay home. Lock few days, we’re very worried about what infections which is quite reassuring. yourself up in your home, pretend that it 8 | SATURDAY 26 JUNE 2021 WWW.BIZNEWS.COM SPONSORED What is the secret to a long and happy life?
hat’s the secret to a long and know that it has disconnected us. So we’ve happy life? Our relationships. seen creative collaboration going down. This is according to the Grant We’ve got less time with our clients and I WStudy at Harvard, the longest longitudinal think we can compensate for this. I think study of all time. Social skills are the most we need to have more meetings. We’re not important skills we can build. Profmed, just going into policies and procedures, but South Africa’s largest restricted medical where we’re actually just connecting with aid scheme for professionals, is producing one another, getting to know one another. an 8-episode vodcast series that explores We know that people do business with peo- how we can take care of today, while ple they know, trust and like, but if I don’t simultaneously building a positive vision know you, I can’t trust you and then I can’t of the future. The second episode features like you. So we need to create opportuni- Justin Cohen, international speaker and ties to just connect with one another. Just best-selling author, as he explains why to get to know one another better. And yes, strong relationships improve our lives and right now we need to do that virtually. our health. – Claire Badenhorst In some ways it’s humanised people. Right? If we only saw our chief executive in Justin Cohen on the Grant Study at Harvard the formality of the office and now we see University him with his cats or with his kid crying, his “So there’s the most powerful longitudinal pajamas sometimes, and that camera dips study of all time, [which] comes out of on this earn on average $150,000 a year working from home down and you see what’s going on under- Harvard University. Started in the 1930s, more than those who are lowest and not “The truth is here in Africa, we’ve always neath. and it’s, in fact, still running. So it’s now only that, they’re happier. So what is that known it. You know, the Zulu have a Decompression time between meetings is studying the children and grandchildren of one factor? The strength of your relation- saying, ‘Umuntu ngumuntu ngabantu’. A really helpful. Just taking time out, stretch- those original subjects. And it’s called the ships. Relationships are even more critical person is only a person because of oth- ing, moving, some of the stress of just Grant study of thriving and that’s what they to overall success than your technical skills. er people. And this is the philosophy of sitting. So, you know, there’s a few things really wanted to understand. What does it We don’t learn that at school, do we? I Ubuntu. I am because we are. I truly be- that we can do to, I think, mitigate some of take to be happy and successful? They fully mean, don’t get me wrong. I want my doc- lieve that this is not just the new normal. I the downsides. And I think we’re learning; expected it would be, you know, whether tor to have great technical skills but that’s think it’s the new better. I think there’s tre- this has been a process of learning for us.” you went to Harvard or not, what your IQ going to get you through the door. It’s not mendous advantages. We’ve been able to go was. In fact, they found there was one fac- going to take you up the ladder.” to work without going to work. We know tor that was more important than anything that has increased productivity. It’s given Watch the full vodcast here else. In fact, people who registered higher On how to maintain relationships while us more time with our families, but we also
US inflation is a worry; we are directly affected
ast week, the US was in a state of what happens in America for the simple have seen last week.” possibility on our side that we might see panic after it was announced that the reason that that could create an exodus of interest rate increases slightly faster and inflation rate might start rising quite money from emerging markets back into On the impact of interest rates rising soon- in a shorter time period than what was Lrapidly. Stock markets were down sharply on the Americas. So that flow of money could er than previously anticipated anticipated. Over time, these things do ac- Friday as a consequence – but what is that negatively influence the way in which peo- “It could have quite a bit of an impact but tually correct. So at this point in time, the doing to our currency markets? In this week’s ple invest money into our bond markets as the important one is if you look at our concern is about the American rates, but Currency Focus, TreasuryONE currency such. So that’s why we have to observe it. central bank, the South African Reserve we have to start watching what happens in strategist Andre Cilliers joined Alec Hogg [It’s] also very important to watch America Bank has always been forward looking, other central banks and what they alert us and the BizNews Power Hour team to let because it is the biggest economy in the also looking at our inflation figures. Our to in terms of what could be expected from us in on what the US inflation means for world and they determine kind of what inflation figures are also picking up and them and changes or possible changes in the rand and offshore investments. - Claire happens in growth for the rest of the world. the Reserve Bank has always been on the their monetary policy, including SA.” Badenhorst That is why we are seeing this massive forefront and a little bit ahead of the curve. Listen to the full interview reaction since last week. So it’s not really a So this simply says to us that there’s also a Andre Cilliers on what US inflation means weakening of the rand at this point in time for currency markets that we have to speak about. We have to “Well, that’s an interesting one and I spoke speak about the strength of the dollar. If to somebody last week and I joked and said you look at the dollar, then the dollar index the Federal Reserve continuously speaks was hovering just above the 90 levels. That’s about inflation that’s in transit, and I said back up at the 91 and a half levels, and we my concern is when it starts applying for just have to simply look at the euro and political asylum. That will be the problem. see that that was trading close to the 123 And I think what they now admitted is levels not so long ago and that’s down to that there might be an application for that 118. The lowest it went was around 118.50. and that there might be a need to adjust It’s slightly higher today. So dollar strength monetary policy a little bit sooner and at a caused the weakness and the run on the slightly steeper rate. Now, if we go back to currencies. And obviously, when you have what they had said before, they said 2024 these things, you go through certain tech- and that would be one increase, and now nical levels and that creates orders that get they’re saying 2023 and most probably two triggered. People buying dollars because increases.” it simply went through certain technical levels, people cutting positions that they On why American interest rates affect us might have had where they were long of “Well, markets are always forward look- rands [and] short of dollars, and then they ing, and we should be bothered about get out of acquisitions and that’s what we 9 | SATURDAY 26 JUNE 2021 WWW.BIZNEWS.COM WEALTH ADVISORS Private share portfolios versus unit trusts
Content by Overberg Asset Management invest in profitable small cap companies. A fees mentioned above. UT’s universe of investable shares is smaller With PSPs, capital gains tax (CGT) is levied than that of a PSP. every time a share is sold. Where applicable, here is an ongoing debate on whether PSPs can provide personalized services to clients will pay CGT every year. Clients can one should invest in the stock market their clients. On a quarterly basis consultants make full use of their annual CGT exclusion through private share portfolios will contact their clients to discuss their (currently R40,000 for natural persons) and T(PSPs) or unit trusts (UTs) or similar portfolios and needs. It means that consultants locking in relatively low CGT rates. With UTs pooled investment vehicles. We all know must work long hours and travel a lot to the scenario is very different. CGT is only what UTs are – their massive advertising service their clients. Clients are also able to levied when investors sell the UT. The client campaigns take care of that. PSPs are lesser communicate directly with the asset manager. is exposed to losing several of his annual CGT known. PSP investing involves a bespoke Communications with clients are frequent exclusions. This means that CGT may not investment portfolio in which shares are and face-to-face. UTs are more passively be paid for several years – but the sting is in held in the client’s name and are bought managed with little or no personal interaction the tail. When the client sells his UT after and sold on behalf of the individual client with clients. Asset managers rarely, if ever, several years, he can be hit with a massive by the asset manager. The asset manager interact directly with clients. Communication CGT liability. will invest directly in the market and will Gielie Fourie, Research and Analysis, with clients is often done through the media. The global trend is more transparency for avoid investing through middlemen, like Director of Overberg Asset Management investors and consultants. Because of the UTs. Asset allocation and share selection Read also: transparency provided by PSPs, there is a within the portfolio can be customised to old, will be invested in the same pool. If you Balancing your portfolio with growing appetite to invest through PSPs. suit the client’s precise risk profile. are serious about your investment, this broad alternative investments The cost implications have been highlighted PSPs are tailored to each investor’s unique approach does not make sense. above. Over the life of an investment the cost needs. An asset manager with 1,000 investors PSPs are actively managed, while UTs tend to The fee structure of PSPs is transparent, differential between PSPs and UTs can be will have 1,000 segregated portfolios, be less actively managed. It stands to reason simple and flexible. Total fees should not significant. If you want to invest in a PSP, one portfolio for each investor. A young that PSPs must be actively monitored and exceed 1.5% per annum and are flexible for you are welcome to consult one of our highly investor will normally prefer an aggressive managed. PSPs are agile. They can act quickly larger portfolios. This is not the case with UTs. qualified consultants. Consultations are free, growth portfolio, while an older investor without moving the market. They can buy There are many middlemen all charging fees, even if you decide to invest at a later stage, or will require a more conservative portfolio shares in small cap and big cap companies which include: custodial fees, audit fees, legal if you decide not to invest at all. with a high dividend yield. UTs and other alike. UTs on the other hand follow a more fees, trustee fees, distribution and marketing See the full article here pooled investments follow a one-size-fits- passive approach. Managing a big pool of fees, platform fees and performance fees. UTs all approach. Irrespective of their needs, the investments results in big purchases that may will quote their Total Expense Ratio (TER), funds of, say 1,000 investors, both young and move the market. This makes it a problem to but the TER often does not include all the How much should you invest offshore? Forming healthy financial habits for later years
Brought to you by Brenthurst Wealth or wait until you have saved enough to buy Retirement Annuities and a tax-free savings it. Interest on credit is high and you will pay account or tax-free investment. much more for the item in the long run. Be careful of online investment “apps” which arents want the best for children • Build a good credit rating could be scams; use reputable companies and make every effort to give them Have a credit card or store account, buy a and research the product and company a strong foundation to lead successful small item, and settle the card/account in full beforehand. Plives once they become adults. Yet, many at the end of the month. This helps to build a neglect detailed discussions around money good credit rating. However, be careful with Read the full article here matters. This subject also gets scant attention debt. Store cards, credit cards, and buying in schools, which leaves many uninformed a bigger car than you can actually afford and ill-prepared to make decisions about can quickly become a nightmare when your money once they start earning an income. income situation changes. In an international study of 30 countries by • Know where your money goes the OECD, South Africa performed the worst Make sure that your expenses do not exceed in terms of financial competency, with the your income. Keeping your monthly expenses average level of literacy sitting at just 30%. as low as possible can save you significant There is also a prevailing misconception money over time. Take the time to draw up that only wealthy people can save. By a budget or simply make notes of how much Leslie Greyling is a financial advisor at adopting simple money rules and making Brenthurst Fourways and on what money is spent. managing money a habit, anyone can save • Start an emergency fund and accumulate wealth. No matter how low the income (allowance, But where to start and what are the key lessons medical. payment for part-time work or salary) is, put to be shared? 30%: WANTS – clothes, entertainment, gifts, any small amount away in an emergency fund To celebrate Youth Month, financial advisor take-aways. every month. Get into the habit of saving Leslie Greyling provides guidance for young 20%: SAVINGS – emergency fund, savings money as a monthly expense, it will soon people and children about money. account, investments/retirement savings. build up to an emergency fund. Taking the time to learn a few critical The above is the perfect foundation for • Start saving for your retirement in your financial rules can help young people, even students, young adults with a part-time 20s children, to build a healthy financial future. job, and young people entering full-time Because of the way compound interest works, This easy Budget Rule is a good place to start employment. the sooner you start saving the better. for children receiving pocket money or an If you start saving R100 per month for 40 allowance and for those who start earning Tips about money for young people: years you will have 5 times more money at their own income: retirement than your friend that saves R1 000 • Learn self-control per month for 30 years. The 50/30/20 Budget Rule Delaying gratification, in other words, instead There are many ways to save money; various of buying an expensive pair of jeans on credit, types of bank accounts or traditional savings/ 50%: NEEDS – rent, food, utilities, transport, only buy it if you have the money available, investment products such as Unit trusts and 10 | SATURDAY 26 JUNE 2021 WWW.BIZNEWS.COM MOTORING Cheap can be cheerful: Suzuki S-Presso S-Edition
By Jarryd Neves the S-Edition receiving all the necessities. engine. Used in the Celerio for a number adequate levels of stability. At that speed, Importantly, you receive central locking, of years, it works exceptionally well in wind noise and tyre roar is noticeable. In dual front airbags and ABS brakes. Nice the S-Presso. Despite the meagre power town, the steering is not as crisp as other ere’s the scenario. You’re in the to haves come in the form of front elec- outputs of just 50kW and 90Nm of torque, Suzuki products. At low speeds, it feels market for your first car and have tric windows, a touchscreen infotainment the little Suzuki feels alert and decidedly vague, which can diminish the otherwise a number of requirements. It needs system (with Apple CarPlay/Android nippy. Thanks to a featherweight mass of excellent manoeuvrability. Hto be practical, fuel economical and cheap. Auto, Bluetooth, USB and Aux capability), just 770kg, the S-Presso puts the power to With a 27-litre fuel tank, one would think However, you’re not willing to sacrifice basic air-conditioning, a reverse camera and rear use very well. you couldn’t go far before visiting your safety features and wouldn’t mind a few parking sensors. Fed to the front wheels via a slick local fuel station. But again, the S-Presso luxury features either. five-speeder, the little hatch feels nimble surprises. After a week behind the wheel, I and alert – just what you want in a city managed to cover 400km – with the range car. Three-cylinder engines are inherently indicating 40km down to empty. That’s ex- vibration prone, and this K10B powertrain ceptional, with overall fuel economy sitting is no different. At idle, there’s a notable at just 5.3L/100km. Aside from the low fuel vibration that permeates the cabin. To be bills, the S-Presso comes with a standard fair, this criticism can be levelled at both two-year/30,000km service plan, besting its the S-Presso’s rivals, the Datsun Go and rivals. A five-year/200,000km warranty is Renault Kwid. part of the package. The S-Presso is an accomplished little car. Not only is it well-equipped, but it provides acceptable performance and incredible Reliability is a major concern, of course. The S-Edition gains side-cladding and a fuel economy. Even at the low price of silver-painted front grille, among other For that reason, you’ve decided to buy new, R163,900, Suzuki hasn’t skipped on the styling add-ons but here’s the problem – cars are rather basic safety features. If you’re in the market expensive, aren’t they? Despite the diminutive dimensions (just for an affordable first car, or a parent look- Even something basic, like an entry-level 3.6 m long), the S-Presso has a surprisingly ing to purchase a starter car for your child, Volkswagen Polo Vivo, will set you back spacious interior. The rear seats are decep- Suzuki’s smallest offering is a compelling R222,100. That’s a lot of money for most tively roomy, with plenty of legroom for product. South Africans. So what are you to do? even tall passengers. Headroom is gener- Interior is deceptively spacious. An optional Fast Facts: Enter the Suzuki S-Presso. ous, too. This doesn’t affect the boot space, AMT transmission is available at extra cost Suzuki S-Presso 1.0 S-Edition Officially South Africa’s cheapest new either. The cargo bay offers up to 239 litres Price: R163,900 car, the range kicks off at R149,900. That’s of luggage space, further increased by the High speed stability is, in short, excel- Power: 50kW/90Nm undeniably cheap. Even the range-top- folding rear bench. lent. The narrow tyres and tall ride height Fuel consumption: 4.9L/100km (claimed) ping S-Edition is cheap at R163,900. You Under the stubby bonnet sits Suzuki’s may put doubts in your mind, but at the Top speed: n/a get quite a lot of car for the money, with trusty 1.0-litre, three-cylinder petrol national speed limit the S-Presso displays Rivals: Datsun Go, Renault Kwid
Suzuki Vitara Brezza 1.5 GLX: Likeable & practical
for quite some time. Over there, it’s one of Just one engine is available, but thankfully there are one or two places in the cabin By Jarryd Neves the most popular passenger cars on sale, it’s a peach. The Brezza shares its 1.5-li- (like the door pulls, for example) with receiving numerous awards since being tre, four-cylinder petrol engine with the questionable plastics. uzuki is producing some cracking cars revealed in 2016. Jimny and Ertiga models where it performs at the moment. On the lowest rung admirably. It’s no different here. The power of the ladder sits the accomplished figures may sound underwhelming but SS-Presso. Climb up a bit more and you’ll find the lightweight body allows the Vitara to the brilliant Swift and Ignis. At the summit utilise the power rather well. sits the thrilling Swift Sport, legendary 77kW and 138Nm of torque are sent to Jimny off-roader and the Vitara SUV. the front wheels via a five-speed manual The Vitara, arguably the brand’s most transmission. A four-speed automatic is sober offering, is also the most expensive available at extra cost, but we’d recommend car in the line-up. At R439,900 for the the manual option. Not only is it cheaper, range-topping 1.4T GLX Auto, it offers but more fun to drive and offers superior decent value for money (in its class) but fuel economy. Space in the rear is on par with other ultimately, is out of reach for most South GLX models gain 16-inch alloy wheels, but In terms of cabin ambience, the interior vehicles in its class, with sufficient head Africans. both trim levels receive rear parking sensors fails to match the exterior for flair and and legroom on offer – even for an aver- and a reverse camera style. While not ugly, it’s somewhat austere age-sized adult. Parents will be pleased to and lacking in character. Still, at least it’s know there are ISOFIX anchorages in the With a starting price of just R244,900 (GL logically thought-out and well-equipped. rear, while two airbags and ABS brakes Manual), it undercuts rivals by a consider- The dials are easy to read and the controls round out the safety equipment. Sadly, able margin. Our test unit, the plush GLX all fall to hand – as more car makers opt stability control isn’t available as an option. derivative, comes in at R289,900. For the for digital climate controls, the physical Hopefully Suzuki decides to implement it, extra outlay, you receive LED headlamps, buttons in the Brezza are a joy to use. like they’ve done with the Swift hatchback. cruise control, keyless entry with push-but- So too is the standard touchscreen info- Boot space is on par with rivals (328L), ton start, rain-sensing wipers and more. tainment system with Bluetooth, USB and although the Volkswagen T-Cross does GLX models also receive stylish 16-inch Apple CarPlay/Android Auto capabilities. pip it by a few litres. Another small gripe I alloy wheels, a cooled glovebox and a Both GL and GLX models receive this had with the Brezza is the difficult-to-close To get around that problem – and get a leather-trimmed steering wheel. Painted as standard. For the most part, interior tailgate. It requires a forceful slam to shut slice of the very lucrative compact SUV pie in Torque Blue with a contrasting black quality is good. As with other vehicles in it properly, which can be rather disconcert- – Suzuki has introduced the Vitara Brezza roof (another GLX option), the Brezza this segment, you won’t find any soft-touch ing. to SA. Cheaper and more compact than the cut a stylish figure – with many paying it plastics or plush materials. Most of what Vitara, the Brezza has been on sale in India compliments. you touch feels decidedly solid, although Read the full article here