Thought Leadership

08/02/2026

CEO Newsletter

BLSA CEO’s Weekly Newsletter – Electricity reform backsliding threatens grid investment – president must clarify policy

By Busisiwe Mavuso

The BLSA Reform Tracker shows broad reform progress except in electricity, where December’s revised Eskom unbundling plan leaves transmission assets… continue reading

01/02/2026

CEO Newsletter

BLSA CEO’s Weekly Newsletter – Urgent action needed on vehicle industry as reform momentum shows mixed progress

By Busisiwe Mavuso

Government must urgently finalise new energy vehicles policy, refine tariffs and deploy anti-dumping measures to protect vehicle manufacturers. Balancing China… continue reading

25/01/2026

CEO Newsletter

BLSA CEO’s Weekly Newsletter – South Africa’s reform success creates options in a disrupted global order

By Busisiwe Mavuso

South Africa showcased concrete reform achievements at Davos: the FATF grey list exit, a credit upgrade, stable electricity and logistics… continue reading

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