Hostile operating environment undermines Sechaba profitability
Monday, July 06, 2015
Announcing the 2015 full-year results on Friday, Kgalagadi Breweries Limited (KBL) Managing Director, Johan De Kok said for the first time the alcohol levy is now higher than the official excise cost as it stood at P183.3 million as at December 2014.
De Kok also indicated that another increase in the levy is anticipated during the current financial year and that consultation and engagement with government is on-going.
While the political shift brings hope for change, it also places immense pressure on the new administration to deliver on its election promises in the face of serious economic challenges.On another level, newly appointed Finance Minister Ndaba Gaolathe’s grim assessment of the country’s finances adds urgency to the moment. The budget deficit, expected to be P8.7 billion, is now anticipated to be even higher due to underperforming diamond...