In its World Economic Outlook (WEO) for April, the IMF on Tuesday projected South Africa’s real gross domestic product (GDP) to rise only to 1% in 2025 and 1. 3% in 2026, which will also drag down the Sub-Saharan African economy.
In December 2023, the FSCA identified a social media advertisement that encouraged potential borrowers with the phrase “It’s not a skoloto chomi! Ke investment”. This misleading representation suggested that the personal loans on offer were investment products rather than credit facilities. Such mischaracterisation could significantly mislead customers about the nature and risks associated with the financial product.
The International Monetary Fund has made a clarion call to emerging market economies and nations grappling with unsustainable public debt
At the start of the year, the WTO Secretariat expected to see continued expansion of world trade in 2025 and 2026, with merchandise trade growing in line with world GDP and commercial services trade increasing at a faster pace.
Vehicle production of the popular Polo and Polo Vivo will be halted from 14 April to 12 May, to allow teams to perform the required work on the line in areas such as Body Shop, Paint Shop and Final Assembly.
Sarb Governor Lesetja Kganyago on Tueday said economic fault lines, stemming from policy shifts and heightened trade tensions, have emerged, adding to pre-existing geopolitical tensions.
The Durban Confidence Index declined in the first quarter of 2025. The index fell from 60. 74 index points in the fourth quarter of 2024 to 56. 32 in the first quarter of 2025
he South African rand has strengthened by 1. 4% to below R19 against the US dollar as GNU coalition tensions ease and global factors shift. Can this recovery sustain amid ongoing political negotiations and US recession fears? Our analysis explores the factors driving this currency rebound and its potential longevity.
President Ramaphosa's appointment of Mcebisi Jonas as South Africa's Special Envoy to the US has drawn mixed reactions. While his business and political experience is praised, experts warn that Jonas' previous critical comments about Donald Trump could strain already tense bilateral relations.
Diplomatic relations between South Africa and the United States are deteriorating ahead of the G20 Summit in Johannesburg, with President Trump expressing doubts about US participation and experts warning South Africa could lose its seat at the prestigious international forum. As South Africa prepares to hand over the G20 Presidency to the US, the stakes are higher than ever for resolving these tensions.
Compounding these economic woes is the fracturing of South Africa's coalition government over a contentious Value Added Tax (VAT) dispute.
The South African rand has hit a concerning milestone, crossing the R19. 80 mark against the US dollar as the US-China trade war intensifies with retaliatory tariffs. Analysts warn the currency could breach R20 if global trade tensions continue to escalate, making it the worst-performing currency globally in April.
UN Under-Secretary-General Claver Gatete has called for Africa to develop self-sustainable financing solutions as traditional aid becomes unreliable. With Africa's debt at 64. 3% of GDP and only 10 of 144 SDG targets on track, the continent must implement bold strategies including domestic resource mobilisation and leveraging the AfCFTA to achieve sustainable development.
African Rainbow Minerals (ARM) Platinum on Wednesday announced the appointment of Johan Christian Jansen as its acting CEO to replace Luthando Mkatshana until the permanent CEO has been appointed.
Brent crude oil prices have fallen to their lowest level since April 2021, dropping below $64 a barrel as escalating US-China trade tensions threaten global economic stability.
Portugal-based Rangel Logistics Solutions has announced a R125. 6 million investment in a new warehouse facility near OR Tambo International Airport, creating 160 jobs and strengthening African trade corridors. The investment forms part of the company's strategy to facilitate trade under the AfCFTA agreement and expand its presence across the Southern African Development Community
Cashbuild is set to acquire a 60% stake in Allbuildco Holdings for R93 million, a strategic move that will expand its hardware and building materials presence with three additional Amper Alles stores across Pretoria and Limpopo.
The latest Tourism Business Pulse Report shows 47% of South African tourism businesses expect improved performance in the next year, despite challenges like load shedding and visa regulations.
South Africa's economy faces mounting pressure as the rand plummets to a near two-year low amidst escalating US-China trade tensions and uncertainty over the future of the Government of National Unity. Experts warn that further political instability could drive the rand beyond R22. 00/$1, while global markets experience their steepest declines since the COVID-19 pandemic
MTN Group announces a strategic partnership with video software provider Synamedia to create a cutting-edge streaming platform for Africa. The new service will offer diverse content options, multiple pricing models, and localised programming to enhance digital inclusion and transform entertainment access across the continent.
Westbrooke Alternative Asset Management has launched a comprehensive renewable energy portfolio featuring 80 solar projects across nine South African provinces. With 30MW of installed capacity and backed by commercial power purchase agreements, the initiative aims to help businesses combat load shedding while reducing costs and environmental impact.
South Africa's largest privately developed wind farm, the 380MW Overberg project, has achieved financial close with backing from DBSA, Absa Bank, and Standard Bank. The project will provide 750GWh of clean energy annually to Richards Bay Minerals, reducing carbon emissions by 0. 7 million tons per year while bolstering national energy security
The Department of Employment and Labour and Fedhasa held a collaborative breakfast session at Emperors Palace to address compliance issues in the hospitality industry. Deputy Minister Jomo Sibiya and other officials emphasized the importance of regulatory compliance, proper employment practices, and occupational health and safety measures within the sector.
South Africa is preparing strategic diplomatic engagements with the United States following President Trump's announcement of 31% reciprocal tariffs that effectively nullify AGOA benefits. Trade Minister Parks Tau emphasizes a measured approach, seeking dialogue rather than retaliation as the government develops a comprehensive response to protect affected sectors.
Minister Leon Schreiber has opened a second round of applications for the Trusted Tour Operator Scheme after its successful launch yielded thousands of additional tourists from China and India. The digital visa process aims to transform South Africa's tourism sector by replacing paper-based systems with efficient online solutions.
