The world of executive pay – Why CEOs and executives earn so much?

Loading player...
GUEST - Shaun Barnes, Executive Director at 21st Century



We go into the complex world of executive pay in South Africa. From eye-catching headlines about multi-million rand CEO packages to the mechanisms behind them, we explore what truly drives these figures.



Shaun Barnes, Executive Director at 21st Century, breaks down the components of total executive compensation—fixed pay, short-term incentives (STIs), and long-term incentives (LTIs)—and explains how they work together to align leadership with shareholder value. We delve into performance hurdles like EPS growth, ROE, and Total Shareholder Return, and examine how South Africa’s unique imperatives, including transformation and sustainability goals, shape executive incentive structures.
30 Sep 2025 4PM English South Africa Business News · Investing

Other recent episodes

Pivot Point — Dr Nishal Khusial on AI in SA

Dr Nishal Khusial explores the rise of AI in South Africa and the launch of the School of AI Africa. We explore what this technological shift means for jobs, digital security, and business transformation.
17 Apr 5AM 19 min

SA–US Relations: Reset, Risk or Realignment?

Professor Patrick Bond unpacks the latest diplomatic shifts between South Africa and the United States — from new ambassadorial appointments to tariff investigations and geopolitical tensions.
17 Apr 5AM 20 min

Financial Rules Before You Say “I Do”

BDO Wealth Financial planner Shaun Chennells explains why financial alignment is crucial before marriage. From antenuptial contracts to shared goals, debt transparency and long‑term planning
17 Apr 5AM 15 min

New Car Sales Surge Despite Fuel Price Pain

South Africans are buying cars at the fastest pace in a decade — even as fuel prices soar. BrandMapp’s Brandon de Kock explains the behavioural trends behind the surge and why Millennials are driving demand
15 Apr 5PM 12 min