Over 1,900 Businesses Shut Down In South Africa

Loading player...
Dr Eric Levenstein, director and head of the Business Rescue, Restructuring and Insolvency practice at Werksmans Attorneys talks about Stats SA has published the latest liquidation data for South Africa, showing that company liquidations shot up over 30% in December 2022 year on year – although overall closures for the full year were slightly lower than the year before.

According to Stats SA, South Africa saw 159 liquidations in December 2022, up 30.3% from December 2021.

Most of the liquidations were voluntary (V), with only seven being compulsory (C) or ordered closures.

For the full year, 1,907 businesses and companies were liquidated, down from 1,932 that had to shut their doors in 2021.

Most of the businesses that closed in the country were in financing, insurance, real estate, and business services, followed by trade, catering and accommodation.

The community, social, and personal services industries were also hit hard by liquidations – but a large portion of companies that shut down were also unclassified.
24 Jan 2023 1PM English South Africa Business News · Investing

Other recent episodes

Jetour T2 Makes History: How a Newcomer Won SA Car of the Year

For the first time in 40 years, a Chinese brand has taken South Africa’s top automotive honour. The Jetour T2 beat 55 contenders to win Car of the Year 2026. Vice President for Jetour South Africa Nic Campbell explains what set the T2 apart, why Chinese brands are rising so…
5 Jun 5AM 11 min

Retail Rebound: NIQ Unpacks SA’s Surprising Q1 Consumer Surge

South Africans spent R173.6 billion on FMCG goods in Q1 — with volumes up 9.1%. Snacks, beverages and tobacco surged, while baby food and care declined. NIQ’s Lané Klopper breaks down the drivers behind the rebound, the rise of traditional trade, and why inflation may tighten the screws again in…
5 Jun 5AM 12 min

Canal+ Lists on the JSE: What It Signals for SA’s Capital Markets

JSE Capital Markets Chief Helina Andhee breaks down the significance of Canal+’s new listing and what it reveals about South Africa’s evolving listings environment. We explore liquidity, innovation, delistings vs. new entrants, and the JSE’s strategy to attract global issuers in a competitive capital markets landscape.
3 Jun 3PM 15 min

Beyond the Rate Hike: Fuel Shocks, Credit Stress & SA’s Financial Fragility

TransUnion Africa CEO Lee Naik analyzes how rising rates, fuel spikes, and deepening credit stress are reshaping household finances. We unpack a 14% collapse in fuel buying power, soaring non‑bank loan delinquencies, and why the new withdrawal system may offer less relief than expected. A data‑driven guide to absorb, adapt,…
3 Jun 3PM 13 min

Can BRICS Absorb SA’s Confidence Shock? Advocate Xulu on Trade

BRICS Business Council’s Advocate Mtho Xulu joins us to discuss South Africa’s widening BRICS trade deficit, the urgent need to shift from raw exports to value-added manufacturing, and whether BRICS-Plus markets can help offset domestic demand weakness. A strategic look at SA’s place in a rapidly shifting global trade environment.
3 Jun 2PM 11 min