Estate planning: are trusts still worthwhile?

To limit tax/estate duty advantages, relevant legislature focuses on the method used to place assets into the trust, rather than on the trust itself.

Eskom is pricing itself out of the market

South Africa’s power utility, under enormous financial pressure, is desperately increasing tariffs to survive. This, in turn, is worsening its woes as more and more consumers switch off.

Put people first, and the profits will follow

So often we hear managers say: ‘Our people are our most precious asset’. Here’s a poultry farmer who takes this approach to an entirely new level.

Farm with nature, for the sake of the next generation

Have you forgotten your most basic job as a farmer – to work alongside nature and leave a farm behind that will provide for years to come?

The bare dominium transfer explained

In South African legal parlance, fixed property is made up of two elements: the outright ownership of the property, and the right of use or enjoyment of it.

Count your blessings; you’ll be better off for it!

It pays to develop an ‘attitude of gratitude’. So give thanks and celebrate your own Thanksgiving Day this year.

The importance of estate planning

No one can disagree that a lack of proper estate planning could result in major reversals for a family business.

Farmers, forget about price!

Farmers have little or no control over producer prices. They should therefore focus on production and marketing efficiencies.

How increasing taxes brings in less money

High taxes can be self-defeating for a government seeking additional revenue.

Recognise a business relationship for what it is!

When it comes to business, suppliers and customers don’t want ‘friendship’. They want good products at a fair price.

Farming without government support

In many countries, farmers are supported in various ways by government. South Africa’s real competition lies not in these largely inefficient farming systems, but in other unsubsidised countries such as Australia, Chile and New Zealand.

The libertarian’s views on taxes

Libertarians have some interesting theories about taxation, and it all starts with the non-aggression principle.

How to get employees to show initiative

If your employees are not providing the creative input you expect from them, look in the mirror. It’s likely that you are the person at fault.

Life insurance products and tax benefits

Years ago, tax benefits were good reasons to purchase life insurance. Is this still true?

How income and price changes affect demand

Higher income leads to increased demand for agricultural products. But in South Africa, demand growth is currently limited by the sharp increase in non-food prices due to lower supply.