Alex Duys of Umthombo Wealth on gold running on rand volatility and Steinhoff selling Conforama France. Absa Retail and Business Bank's Justin Schmidt on how to unlock the constraints in manufacturing - one of which is buying local. Dr Petrus de Kock, GM for Research at Brand South Africa on the most valuable local brands and the disconnect between brand experience and the business process.

Deal will make Harmony South Africa's biggest gold producer.

Sibanye-Stillwater ended 6.49% weaker, while Harmony Gold fell 4.62%.

The coronavirus may breathe some life into SA share sales.

Mines in South Africa were forced to shut temporarily when a nationwide lockdown to contain the virus began in late March.

On the back of the pandemic-related lockdown.

Companies lobby government to allow more production.

Kalgold’s production represents 3% of the company's total production.

The country's labour-intensive mines need to be at a minimum of 75% to 80% of capacity to be viable, says Sibanye head.

Rand Refinery joins the ranks of gold refineries in Switzerland firing up almost all operations again after the country relaxed its lockdown measures.

The Top 40 index rose 1.64% while the broader all-share closed 1.32% firmer.

'We have established a good routine and have been able to ensure that product from our mining clients is shipped to us and that refined product makes its way to bullion banks and end user customers,' the CEO said.

Covid-19 could be the final nail in the coffin for the ailing industry.

Harmony Gold said it rolled out a COVID-19 prevention strategy across its operations before South Africa's lockdown was announced, and had a plan to ensure a safe restart.

In fixed income, the yield on the 2030 instrument was down 0.5 basis points at 10.300%.