According to the capital management firm Citadel, entrepreneurs in South Africa feel economic pressure long before these changes are reflected in official statistics. Business owners face issues such as cash flow constraints, rising operating costs, infrastructure challenges, and limited access to financing amid an unpredictable business environment.
Citadel Advisory partner Kirsten Smit emphasized that entrepreneurs serve as one of the clearest indicators of the country's economic health because they experience shifts in market conditions earlier than this data enters macroeconomic reporting. According to her, while economic indicators tell one story, business owners are grappling with cash flow pressure, increased raw material costs, infrastructure limitations, difficulties in attracting capital, payment delays, policy uncertainty, and the need to make decisions in unpredictable circumstances. She compared them to 'canaries in a coal mine.'
Kirsten Smit noted that how businesses adapt to changing conditions provides valuable insight into consumer behavior and business confidence levels. She added that business is the first point where tightening household budgets are felt. Furthermore, entrepreneurship reveals a complex situation where owners spend money on workarounds to combat crime and energy instability, which reduces resources available for growth and innovation.
Smit also pointed out that entrepreneurs offer a view beyond general economic figures. They allow one to bypass idealized macroeconomic data, revealing the everyday reality of local trade, community networking, and real-world survival strategies. They also help connect formal GDP with the informal slum economy.
Business and entrepreneurship thought leader Myles Kubheka noted that periods of economic hardship can generate opportunities for innovation. He stated that crises are painful but also highly revealing, as they expose flaws, value leakage areas, and what people desperately need solutions for.
Citadel reported that businesses continue to face significant obstacles, including inflation, high interest rates, and weakening consumer spending. Kirsten Smit explained that high inflation and increased rates force entrepreneurs to choose between absorbing rising costs or raising prices at the risk of losing customers. Entrepreneurs are also observing a shift towards basic goods, smaller units, and cheaper local alternatives, indicating a strong defensive posture from consumers.
Despite signs of improving business sentiment, many entrepreneurs remain reluctant to expand staff due to persistent uncertainty. Smit observed that there is often a gap between positive attitude and actual risk-taking: even with growing confidence, many do not plan to create new jobs, preferring to keep teams small due to high labor costs and uncertain growth. They also bear the brunt of structural failures, which force them to spend money on alternative power supply, private security, and logistical workarounds.
The biggest problems for entrepreneurs remain rising utility and fuel prices, reduced customer spending, and limited access to financing. Smit concluded that despite a slight upturn in sentiment, business owners find themselves in a margin squeeze situation: the cost of doing business is rising while customer purchasing power is declining.
Myles Kubheka advised focusing on customer behavior rather than economic forecasts when making investment decisions. He believes that customers will signal the direction of the economy sooner than economists. Citadel also strongly recommended that entrepreneurs separate personal and business finances to build long-term financial resilience. Smit stressed that diversifying assets outside of the business is critical to avoid vulnerability if trade conditions worsen.
Kubheka agreed, stating that the ultimate goal should be financial freedom, not perpetual business ownership. He added that he advises fixed salaries, investment diversification, maintaining reserve savings, and keeping separate business accounts to strengthen management and simplify tax compliance.
Volkswagen has introduced the Amarok V6 Unlimited in Argentina, a special edition restricted to only 500 numbered units. This model signals the end of the current generation of the pickup truck, which has been available on the market since 2010, and precedes the arrival of a new Chinese-origin version, expected in 2027.
The reveal took place at the manufacturer's booth during the Rural Exhibition held in Buenos Aires. Production of the acclaimed V6 engine in General Pacheco will be halted until the end of 2026. Based on the top-tier V6 Extreme configuration, the Unlimited will be available at dealerships starting in September, focusing on aesthetic and finishing attributes intended for collectors and enthusiasts of the current architecture.
The exhibited vehicle featured the new Volcán gray color, contrasting with glossy black elements such as bumpers, rearview mirrors, fender flares, and the tailgate. Under the hood, the 3.0 V6 turbodiesel engine maintains its power of 258 hp, capable of temporarily reaching 272 hp in overboost mode, in addition to generating 59.1 kgfm of torque. It is coupled with an eight-speed automatic transmission and features permanent all-wheel drive.
The Unlimited's visual package includes 20-inch wheels with a darkened finish, as well as black grille and emblems, replacing aluminum platforms with tubular running boards. Inside, the car features leather upholstery with exclusive embroidery and a numbered plaque positioned behind the gear selector, underlining the exclusivity of each unit. In terms of technology, it follows the line's standard, offering a 9-inch multimedia center and driving assistance systems.
This launch concludes an important cycle for the Argentine industry. Manufactured in General Pacheco since 2010, the Amarok was pioneering as the first mid-size pickup developed by a European automotive conglomerate. It achieved icon status after the introduction of the V6 engine in 2017. During its lifecycle, approximately 800,000 units were produced, with about 60% destined for export to more than 100 countries.
As the current version bids farewell, Volkswagen is developing its successor, internally named Project Patagonia. This new pickup will result from a global collaboration with the Chinese group SAIC and will use the Maxus Interstellar X (also known as Terron 9) as its technical base, being larger than the current Amarok. The project is linked to a US$ 580 million investment in the Pacheco factory, with a commercial launch forecast for the first quarter of 2027.
Honda will discontinue the sale of the Prologue model in the United States after the end of the 2026 model year. This move results in the absence of any fully electric vehicle from the manufacturer in the largest global market, at least temporarily, forcing the company to focus more on hybrid vehicles.
The Prologue was initially introduced as a transition option while Honda worked on its own electric technology. It emerged from an established collaboration with General Motors, a period during which the Japanese manufacturer had promised a billion-dollar investment in electrification. In reality, both the Prologue and the Acura ZDX were variations of the Chevrolet Blazer EV and the Cadillac Lyriq, both built on GM's Ultium platform.
The pair of vehicles faced a lukewarm market response. Although the Prologue registered good sales at certain times, the ZDX sold in small quantities and was discontinued even in 2025. Sales data justifies the decision: in 2025, Prologue sales rose by 19.1%, totaling 39,194 units, an increase driven by consumers rushing to obtain the benefit of the federal tax credit before its expiration. However, once the incentive was removed, demand plummeted, registering only 932 registrations in December, representing an 88.6% drop. This decline continued in 2026; in the first half, Honda sold 8,407 electric vehicles, a setback of 48.5% compared to the same period last year, equivalent to approximately 1,400 monthly units.
Due to poor performance, the Prologue became the second best-selling Honda in the country, only behind the Prelude. Sales were so modest that the electric SUV was surpassed by all Acura models still in production, including the RDX, which is also scheduled to be discontinued. This decision is part of a broader reorganization of the company in the electrification sector. In addition to the Acura ZDX, which was discontinued in 2025, Honda also canceled the Series 0 projects (including the 0 Sedan and 0 SUV), the Acura RSX, and Sony Honda Mobility, the electric car brand developed jointly with Sony and responsible for the Afeela.
Honda announced that current Prologue owners will continue to receive full support through the dealership network, covering services, parts, and warranty coverage. This closure signals, for now, the end of the brand's presence in the pure electric segment in the US, given that American consumers continue to show a preference for hybrid models. Despite this, the company has not completely abandoned electrification and continues to develop its own electric vehicle architecture for the coming years.
The cost-benefit of an iPhone is determined by several factors, including the projection of software updates, performance potential, and the price charged in the national market. Previous generations, such as the iPhone 16 and iPhone 15 models, become more advantageous options after subsequent price reductions following each launch, being cited as economical alternatives for 2026.
Tecnoblog conducted an analysis of the main iPhones currently on the market to help consumers identify the best combination of specifications and price, detailing the strengths and weaknesses of each Apple smartphone.
The iPhone 16e was launched to redefine the range of more affordable devices within the Apple ecosystem. This model features the A18 processor and the same 8GB of RAM as higher-end models, promising good performance for multitasking and demanding applications, such as games. Its simplified design includes the return of the classic notch on the screen and a simple rear camera system with a 48-megapixel sensor. The 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display ensures true colors and intense brightness.
The iPhone 16 offers excellent value for money for those who want to invest slightly less than the newest model while maintaining innovations and contemporary design. It comes equipped with the A18 chip and 8GB of RAM, sufficient to run all of Apple's productivity and smart editing tools with high performance. A major advantage is the 48-megapixel main sensor, coupled with the camera control button, which allows quick adjustments of focus, exposure, and zoom through intuitive gestures. Additionally, the device has long battery life and uses the USB-C port, representing a modern and balanced option at a more competitive retail price.
For those seeking a cutting-edge smartphone at the lowest cost, the iPhone 17 is the main recommendation. Equipped with the new A19 processor, it guarantees excellent processing speed and optimized energy efficiency, allowing complex tasks and multitasking to run smoothly for several years. The basic model now incorporates 120Hz ProMotion technology, present in Pro models, along with 48-megapixel main and ultrawide cameras. The front camera system also features Center Stage for automatic subject framing.
The iPhone 15 Pro remains a notable purchase due to its depreciation in the market. Built from light and durable titanium, it houses the A17 Pro processor, an advanced architecture chip that natively supports console gaming and heavy graphics processing, keeping it at the same performance level as recent releases. Its three-camera system includes a dedicated telephoto lens for distortion-free optical zooms and professional recordings. With a 120Hz ProMotion display, it provides a complete premium experience for a price comparable to a current mid-range model.
Launched in 2023, the iPhone 15 is seen as the ideal balance point for the average user who wants to enter the main Apple line with minimal investment. It features the Dynamic Island interface for dynamic notifications at the top of the screen, the A16 Bionic processor, which offers good thermal stability, and USB-C connectivity, facilitating the use of universal cables. Even without dedicated deep artificial intelligence hardware, the device stands out with a high-resolution 48-megapixel camera and impeccable video stabilization, making it a safe choice for those looking for an updated, beautiful, and fast smartphone at more accessible prices.
When deciding which iPhone offers the best cost-benefit in 2026, it is crucial to weigh the available budget, usage profile, and intended period of use. It is recommended to observe some specific technical aspects:
Regarding the iPhone 17 Pro Max, the decision depends on the budget. Although it is one of the best smartphones of 2026, presenting the peak in screen, autonomy, and professional cameras with extended zoom, its retail price tends to be very high. For this reason, standard versions usually offer a better financial return for the consumer.
Purchasing a used iPhone can be advantageous, provided it is done with caution. Display models or pre-owned devices represent good opportunities for savings, but it is essential to check the battery health (preferably above 80% to 85%) and ensure the perfect functioning of all original components, such as Face ID and True Tone screen, before finalizing the purchase.
It is not recommended to buy the iPhone 11 in 2026. Despite having received updates to the latest iOS, the model is over six years old and lacks current technologies such as 5G connectivity, OLED screen, USB-C port, and Apple Intelligence support. Furthermore, it is likely that the current operating system version is the last released for this device.
Similarly, buying the iPhone SE in 2026 is not advised. With the emergence of the iPhone 16e as a modern and affordable entry-level model, older versions of the iPhone SE, with small LCD screens and a physical Home button, have lost relevance for most users seeking larger screens and good battery life.
