The role of corporate finance advisory and investment services has shifted in recent years. No longer simply about providing transactional support, these services are increasingly being conducted with the focus on strategic stewardship, writes Sydney Mhlarhi, founder of black-owned and managed investment, corporate finance advisory and fund management company, Tamela.

By Amith Singh, National Manager: Manufacturing, Nedbank Commercial Banking

South Africa’s manufacturing sector remains one of the country’s most powerful levers for economic transformation, yet for over two decades, it has been under pressure. From its once-commanding share of GDP in the 1980s to its more constrained position today, the industry has faced sustained headwinds: energy instability, logistics backlogs, policy uncertainty, and rising input costs. But while the challenges are real, so too are the opportunities.

The Q2 2025 Absa Manufacturing Survey reveals that uncertainty remains a dominant theme within the manufacturing sector, both domestically and globally. Business confidence declined marginally to 33 points, down from 34 in Q1, an outcome some noted could have been significantly worse given prevailing conditions.

By Junaid Jadwat, Head of Diversified Industries, Client Coverage, Standard Bank Group

Just over three weeks ago, we watched a meeting between President Ramaphosa and President Trump in the fabled Oval Office with mixed feelings. Some viewed the meeting as a bad omen for bilateral relations, while others viewed the calm demeanour and responses of President Ramaphosa as reflective of the seasoned statesman he is.

Growing the manufacturing sector is often considered a cardinal element to realising inclusive and sustained development. Among the multiple benefits of manufacturing, is the industry’s aptitude to create employment for a vast number of low-skilled workers, which is essential for reducing poverty.