Thought Leadership

18/01/2026

CEO Newsletter

BLSA CEO’s Weekly Newsletter – BAT closure exposes the cost of inaction on illicit trade

By Busisiwe Mavuso

The illicit economy has exploded from one-third to three-quarters of the cigarette market since 2019, destroying legitimate manufacturing jobs and… continue reading

11/01/2026

CEO Newsletter

BLSA CEO’s Weekly Newsletter – Best starting point in years, with three clear priorities ahead

By Busisiwe Mavuso

South Africa enters 2026 with high commodity prices, reliable electricity, stable finances and lower interest rates, creating the strongest foundation… continue reading

14/12/2025

CEO Newsletter

BLSA CEO’s Weekly Newsletter – This year has laid the foundation for growth

By Busisiwe Mavuso

The business-government partnership model proved its worth in 2025, delivering measurable progress across electricity, logistics, criminal justice and regulatory reform… continue reading

07/12/2025

CEO Newsletter

BLSA CEO’s Weekly Newsletter – Investment is stirring – now we must turn momentum into growth

By Busisiwe Mavuso

South Africa’s latest GDP, investment and confidence data show clear signs of improving momentum. Fiscal discipline and the recent S&P… continue reading

30/11/2025

CEO Newsletter

BLSA CEO’s Weekly Newsletter – NDPP appointment critical to business environment, but role needs real authority to deliver justice

By Busisiwe Mavuso

The next NDPP appointment is critical for business as rule of law failures impose huge transaction costs. Unlike SARS, which… continue reading

23/11/2025

CEO Newsletter

BLSA CEO’s Weekly Newsletter – G20 success showcased South Africa’s potential — now strengthen the fundamentals

By Busisiwe Mavuso

South Africa successfully hosted the G20 and B20 summits, with the Leaders Declaration aligning strongly with B20 recommendations on African… continue reading

16/11/2025

CEO Newsletter

BLSA CEO’s Weekly Newsletter – South Africa takes the global stage as credit upgrade confirms reform momentum

By Busisiwe Mavuso

South Africa hosts the G20 and B20 summits this week following an S&P credit rating upgrade from BB- to BB,… continue reading

09/11/2025

CEO Newsletter

BLSA CEO’s Weekly Newsletter – MTBPS should confirm fiscal progress, but infrastructure delivery remains the weak link

By Busisiwe Mavuso

Despite weak economic growth, Treasury has maintained fiscal discipline and is on track for another primary budget surplus, with borrowing… continue reading

02/11/2025

CEO Newsletter

BLSA CEO’s Weekly Newsletter – Operation Vulindlela’s wins are real, but implementation momentum is slowing

By Busisiwe Mavuso

Operation Vulindlela has delivered tangible wins in electricity and visa reform, but implementation has slowed on other critical reforms. Private… continue reading

26/10/2025

CEO Newsletter

BLSA CEO’s Weekly Newsletter – What our FATF exit teaches us about effective reform

By Busisiwe Mavuso

South Africa exited the FATF grey list in just 32 months by addressing all 22 action items through clear accountability,… continue reading

19/10/2025

CEO Newsletter

BLSA CEO’s Weekly Newsletter – Structural reforms lay the foundation, but investment confidence remains the missing link

By Busisiwe Mavuso

Structural reforms in electricity and logistics are progressing but will only deliver higher growth when businesses regain confidence to invest… continue reading

12/10/2025

CEO Newsletter

BLSA CEO’s Weekly Newsletter – Eskom’s return to profit strengthens South Africa’s economic foundation

By Busisiwe Mavuso

Eskom has returned to profitability for the first time in eight years, posting a profit before tax of R23.9 billion… continue reading

05/10/2025

CEO Newsletter

BLSA CEO’s Weekly Newsletter – After 25 years of Agoa, it’s time for South Africa to chart a new course

By Busisiwe Mavuso

Agoa’s expiry after 25 years ends a cornerstone of US-South Africa trade relations. South Africa accounted for 54% of all… continue reading

28/09/2025

CEO Newsletter

BLSA CEO’s Weekly Newsletter – Getting beyond tariff wars and building tomorrow’s trade foundations

By Busisiwe Mavuso

South Africa is pursuing a dual strategy of restoring predictable US trade relations while simultaneously diversifying partnerships globally to mitigate… continue reading

21/09/2025

CEO Newsletter

BLSA CEO’s Weekly Newsletter – Trade talks intensify, but SA cannot wait for external solutions

By Busisiwe Mavuso

Trade negotiations with the US show momentum following Minister Tau’s visit, but success remains uncertain given the unpredictable nature of… continue reading