CHALLENGES AND TRENDS OF THE SOUTH AFRICAN PRIVATE EQUITY INDUSTRY

This paper gives an insight of the uniqueness of the South African Private Equity Industry and the underlying reasons for that. It also highlights the differences between the South African Private Equity Industry and both the African Private Equity Industry as well as the Global Private Equity Industry. It highlights challenges that all three industries are facing, both as a result of the global financial meltdown, the resulting global economic recession, and otherwise. Additionally, the paper highlights challenges and trends that are unique to South Africa. Further, it discusses views of industry experts and academics through proposals aimed at addressing these challenges and the roles of industry stakeholders. The discussions around the trends are mainly to highlight certain characteristics about the industry, globally, in Africa and in South Africa. The evidence provided in this paper, shows that the South African Private Equity Industry, owing mainly to regulatory and legislative environment, has proven to be much more resilient than the Global Private Equity Market; as such, it is still able to operate and do business.