Key facts
- Aspen's manufacturing facilities have experienced a disruption.
- Widespread shortages of oral contraceptives are occurring in South Africa.
- South Africa's health department has confirmed the contraceptive shortages.
- A local pharmacy chain in South Africa has confirmed the contraceptive shortages.
- Africa's largest fund manager is reportedly facing a governance crisis.
- Africa's largest fund manager is reportedly facing a management crisis.
- Unlisted investments of Africa's largest fund manager are underperforming.
South Africa is currently facing widespread shortages of oral contraceptives, a situation directly linked to a disruption at Aspen's manufacturing facilities. The health department has confirmed the extent of the shortages, and a local pharmacy chain has also corroborated these reports, highlighting the impact on availability across the country. This disruption at a key pharmaceutical manufacturer raises concerns about the supply chain for essential medicines.
In a separate development, Africa's largest fund manager is reportedly embroiled in a significant governance and management crisis. This crisis is exacerbated by the continued underperformance of its unlisted investments, which are a substantial part of its portfolio. The details of the governance issues have not been fully disclosed, but the underperformance of these specific assets points to potential underlying problems within the fund manager's operational or investment strategies.