Monday Morning Reckoning
Everybody seems to be talking about how the rising petrol price is hitting household budgets. One man I spoke to said that about five years ago it cost him just over R300 to fill his car’s tank. Now the bill is approaching R900. That’s almost three times as much.
The question is who benefits when oil prices rise so sharply. Oil-producing countries can reap substantial rewards from higher prices, particularly when supplies are constrained. But the picture is more complicated than that: the benefits depend on how much a country produces, how much it exports and what it costs to extract the oil.
The conflict in the Middle East has put the region’s oil supplies and shipping routes under renewed scrutiny. The Strait of Hormuz, in particular, is a critical route for international oil shipments. Any disruption can send prices higher, with consequences for businesses and consumers around the world.
Oil is also becoming an increasingly important geopolitical issue. Reports of Ukrainian attacks on Russian fuel-processing facilities have added another dimension to concerns about the availability of diesel and other petroleum products. The international energy market will remain one to watch this week.
For South Africans, immigration is another issue that has resurfaced. The government has argued that asylum seekers should seek protection in the first safe country they reach. That raises questions about people travelling through other African countries before arriving in South Africa, including those coming from Malawi and elsewhere.
The question is whether the countries through which they travel can reasonably be regarded as safe for them. The circumstances of asylum seekers differ, so the issue is not necessarily as straightforward as it might appear. Nevertheless, immigration policy and border management are likely to remain contentious subjects in the weeks ahead.
Another development to keep an eye on is the health of former president Jacob Zuma, who was reportedly hospitalised last week. The seriousness of his condition was unclear in the information available to me. Speculation about the possibility of his death also raised questions about potential political unrest, particularly in KwaZulu-Natal. Such speculation should be treated cautiously, but the political consequences of a major development involving Zuma are worth bearing in mind.
With those issues on the radar, here is a look at the business news and corporate events to watch during the week beginning 12 October 2026.
South African Business: Results, Dividends and Corporate Developments
JSE corporate calendar
Boxer Retail
Boxer Retail Limited has released its condensed consolidated interim financial results for the 26 weeks ended 30 August 2026, together with a cash dividend declaration. Investors will be looking at trading performance, margins and the company’s outlook for the months ahead.
iOCO
iOCO is expected to release its full-year results for the year ended 31 July 2026, reportedly around 14 October. Management has forecast an increase of between 35% and 40% in net profit after tax. The published results will show how the company performed against that expectation.
South32
South32’s JSE ex-dividend date for its 2026 final dividend is listed as 15 October. Investors should consult the company’s official announcements for the dividend amount and the applicable dates.
Business Events and Networking
The French South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry has listed its Business Wine Club for 15 October, followed by the sixth Annual European Chambers’ Golf Day on 20 October at Randpark Golf Club.
International Developments to Watch
Energy, conflict and air travel
International news coverage is highlighting the effects of geopolitical conflict on commercial aviation and energy markets.
The Wall Street Journal has reported on the risks to air travel as conflict increasingly affects important flight routes. Disruptions to airspace can force airlines to change routes, adding time and cost to journeys while creating further uncertainty for passengers and businesses.
The Financial Times has also reported on European allies’ response to an agreement involving the United States, Russia and diesel supplies. The issue highlights the tension between energy security, international trade and efforts to put economic pressure on Russia.
These developments reinforce the importance of following energy markets alongside geopolitical events. Changes in fuel availability and prices can affect transport, manufacturing and the cost of doing business.
Bond markets and government debt
The 10 October edition of The Economist includes a briefing on the risks facing global bond markets.
Government borrowing and bond yields deserve attention because they influence financing costs across the economy. Countries already carrying substantial debt may face difficult choices if borrowing costs remain elevated, particularly when economic growth is weak.
For businesses, changes in bond yields can affect investment decisions, the cost of capital and the broader economic outlook.
Arts, Fashion and Entertainment
Several events are scheduled for the coming weeks.
• Reel to Reality Film Festival: The festival is scheduled to return to Johannesburg on 18 October, celebrating African storytelling through film.
• Amsterdam Dance Event: South African electronic music artists NAAk and Vumaala are listed to represent the country at the 2026 event.
• Pan Afrikan Design Week: The event is scheduled for 21–24 October at the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town.
• Elie Saab x H&M: The fashion collection is scheduled to launch in South Africa on 22 October.
• South African Fashion Week: The autumn/winter 2027 collections are scheduled to be presented at The Forum at Hyde Park Corner from 21 to 25 October.
The Lighter Side
Two unusual animal encounters have attracted attention online.
In one incident, a penguin was filmed hitching a ride on a swimmer’s bodyboard off the Cape Town coast. The footage prompted speculation about whether the bird was trying to escape a great white shark, although that explanation should not be treated as established fact.
In another incident, a warthog fleeing a leopard in Kruger National Park reportedly collided with a vehicle, briefly knocking itself out and dislodging the bumper before recovering and disappearing into the bush.
Quote of the Week
“The major city in the country needs to be turned around. It has been appallingly managed.”
— Hendrik du Toit, chief executive of Ninety One, commenting on support for a Johannesburg rescue plan.
Johannesburg’s difficulties remain an important issue for businesses and investors.
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Financial News Daily is an independent business news syndicate and a wholly owned subsidiary of Idea Accelerator. We publish financial, environmental and corporate commentary for digital platforms, media outlets and organisations. Nothing published here constitutes investment, legal or financial advice. All opinions are editorial commentary on matters of public and economic interest.
