We recently participated in a cross-border buying tour across Hong Kong, Shenzhen, and Guangzhou, in collaboration with API and HLB China member firms.
The delegation brought together leaders from the African property development sector to engage with established suppliers and manufacturers across a range of industries, including tile manufacturing, alternative energy, building materials, architecture, lighting design and supply, piping systems, and sanitary and kitchen interior solutions.
The programme created opportunities for delegates to explore sourcing capabilities, strengthen commercial relationships, and gain direct exposure to suppliers supporting large-scale property and infrastructure projects.
Our teams also assisted with coordination, logistics, and translation support throughout the engagement, helping facilitate collaboration between African delegates and Chinese industry stakeholders.
We extend our appreciation to API, the HLB China teams, and all delegates involved in making the tour a success.
#HLBCBSGroupSouthAfrica #CrossBorderBusiness #PropertyDevelopment #AfricaChinaBusiness
To all mothers, thank you for the care, strength, and support you give so selflessly every day.
Wishing you a meaningful and well-deserved Mother’s Day.
#MothersDay #HLBCBSGroupSouthAfrica
South Africa is navigating a difficult balancing act between economic stability and global energy shocks, as South Africa extends its fuel tax relief measures to shield households from rising costs. The decision to continue temporary cuts reflects the immediate pressure that higher fuel prices are placing on consumers and businesses, particularly in an import-dependent energy market.
The backdrop to this intervention is the significant disruption to global oil supply linked to tensions involving Iran. With energy prices surging, governments are being forced to respond quickly to contain inflation and protect economic growth. In this context, the extension of fuel levy reductions offers short-term relief, helping to ease the burden on transport costs and everyday expenses.
However, the policy also highlights the trade-offs involved. While the relief is necessary in the near term, it is not sustainable indefinitely. The government has made it clear that the tax cuts will be phased out and the revenue gap will be recovered through other fiscal measures. This underscores the importance of maintaining fiscal discipline even in times of crisis, particularly as inflationary pressures remain a concern.
Looking ahead, the situation reinforces a broader reality for emerging markets. External shocks can quickly ripple through domestic economies, requiring agile and measured responses. South Africa’s approach reflects an effort to strike that balance by providing targeted support now while safeguarding long-term financial stability.
#EnergyCrisis #SouthAfrica #Inflation #EconomicPolicy #FuelPrices #HLBCBSGroupSouthAfrica
Happy Workers’ Day.
Our people are central to the work we deliver. We recognise and value the contribution they make each day. Their commitment and professionalism enable us to support our clients effectively.
#WorkersDay #HLBCBSGroupSouthAfrica
South Africa’s economy demonstrated continued growth in 2025, with the latest data from Statistics South Africa showing that real GDP expanded by 1.1% over the year, including 0.4% growth in the fourth quarter. The South African Government has welcomed these figures as a sign of resilience following several challenging years and renewed momentum across key sectors.
This positive outcome reflects sustained economic activity and highlights how sectors such as agriculture, services and trade are contributing to the country’s recovery journey. While growth remains modest compared to global peers, the consistent expansion over consecutive quarters signals that structural reforms and collaborative efforts between government, business and civil society are beginning to pay off.
Government leaders have emphasised that maintaining this growth trajectory will require continued focus on investment, job creation and economic reforms that unlock long term potential. The recent data provides a foundation for optimism, supporting efforts to attract domestic and international investment and broaden opportunities for South African businesses and communities.
As we look ahead, the challenge will be to build on this momentum in a way that translates into more jobs, higher living standards and shared prosperity for all. Continued collaboration between public and private sectors will be vital in sustaining growth and making the South African economy more competitive on the global stage.
#SouthAfrica #EconomicGrowth #GDP #Business #Investment #EconomicDevelopment #Collaboration #StatsSA #GrowthMomentum #HLBCBSGroupSouthAfrica
Today marks a reminder of the importance of inclusion, accountability and shared responsibility across society.
We wish all a Happy Freedom Day.
#FreedomDay #HLBCBSGroupSouthAfrica
The world of trading in South Africa is undergoing a noticeable transformation. What once started as a side hustle or supplementary income stream for many individuals is now evolving into a more structured and disciplined financial activity. According to a recent article published by News24, a growing number of South Africans are approaching trading with a professional mindset, focusing on knowledge, strategy and long term development rather than quick profits.
A key factor behind this shift is the rise in financial literacy and improved access to global financial markets through digital trading platforms. Traders are increasingly analysing macroeconomic trends, central bank decisions and geopolitical developments to guide their decisions. This marks a clear move away from instinct based trading toward a more analytical approach that prioritises risk management, structured strategies and consistent performance over time.
Another major trend is the growing global outlook among South African traders. Many are actively engaging with international markets, trading assets such as gold, global indices and currency pairs to diversify exposure and tap into global economic movements. As technology continues to expand access to real time data, charting tools and mobile trading platforms, individuals are able to participate in financial markets with capabilities that were once limited to institutional investors.
Ultimately, the profile of the South African trader is changing. Today’s traders are more disciplined, more analytical and more focused on continuous improvement. As technology, education and global market access continue to evolve, the local trading community is steadily shifting from informal experimentation toward a more professional and strategic approach to participating in financial markets.
#Trading #FinancialMarkets #SouthAfrica #Investing #Fintech #FinancialLiteracy #OnlineTrading #WealthBuilding #DigitalFinance #MarketStrategy #HLBCBSGroupSouthAfrica
Waste is often seen as a problem to manage, but projects like the one at the Coastal Park Landfill in Cape Town show how it can also be part of the solution. The R93-million waste-to-energy initiative converts landfill methane into electricity, generating around 1.3 GWh per month. A significant portion of that energy is fed directly into the city’s grid, enough to power more than 4,000 households.
The system works by capturing methane produced from decomposing organic waste through a network of 49 deep vertical wells and horizontal trenches embedded within the landfill. This methane is then processed and used in gas engines to generate electricity. While carbon dioxide is produced during combustion, capturing and burning methane dramatically reduces its climate impact, since methane is far more potent as a greenhouse gas.
Beyond power generation, the project highlights how modern landfill management can deliver environmental and public health benefits. By capturing harmful gases and reducing uncontrolled emissions, facilities like Coastal Park help limit air pollution, prevent disease transmission linked to unmanaged waste, and reduce environmental contamination in surrounding communities.
Initiatives like this also demonstrate the economic potential of circular infrastructure. By generating electricity locally and reducing reliance on national power supply, cities can improve energy resilience while lowering costs. With additional investment planned to expand the project, Cape Town’s approach offers a compelling example of how municipalities can turn waste management into an opportunity for sustainability, energy generation, and climate action.
#Sustainability #RenewableEnergy #WasteToEnergy #CircularEconomy #ClimateAction #CleanEnergy #Infrastructure #EnergyTransition #CapeTown #SouthAfrica #HLBCBSGroupSouthAfrica
Eid Mubarak
Wishing all our clients, colleagues, and communities celebrating a peaceful and meaningful Eid. May this occasion bring reflection, prosperity, and continued success.
#EidMubarak #HLBCBSGroup
South Africa’s economic story is at a critical crossroads. Following its latest review, the International Monetary Fund has acknowledged the country’s post-COVID recovery and resilience, while warning that rising public debt and slow reforms could undermine long-term progress.
With GDP growth picking up and inflation moderating, South Africa has shown encouraging signs of stability. Yet public debt, now near 77% of GDP, continues to rise, challenging the ambitions of the National Treasury of South Africa and placing pressure on future budgets.
The IMF’s message is clear. Faster, well-coordinated reforms, more efficient public spending, and credible fiscal discipline are essential to unlock higher and more inclusive growth. Positive steps, including the new inflation target set by the South African Reserve Bank and improvements in energy stability, show what is possible when policy alignment works.
Now is the time to build on these gains, restore confidence, and create a sustainable foundation for growth, jobs, and investment.
#SouthAfrica #EconomicGrowth #FiscalPolicy #PublicFinance #IMF #ReformAgenda #EconomicRecovery #SustainableDevelopment #Leadership #PolicyReform #LinkedInAfrica #HLBCBSGroupSouthAfrica
