Woolworths posts 20 percent profit leap

South African retailer Woolworths reported a 20.5 percent jump in pretax profit on Thursday, defying feeble growth in Africa's most advanced economy. The nation's retailers are battling to boost sales as consumers rein in spending in the face of high unemployment and rising fuel and transport prices, but Woolworths is faring better than rivals thanks to the appeal of its upmarket food and clothing to high-income customers.