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Will Ramaphosa's visit to the US improve trade relations?
Tensions unlikely to be resolved between South Africa and the US even after President Cyril Ramaphosa's visit to the White House.
Economists weigh in on the controversial VAT increase in SA Budget
South Africa's Finance Minister announces a phased 1% VAT increase over two years, drawing mixed reactions from leading economists. While some praise the fiscal consolidation efforts, others criticize the 'messy' implementation and impact on consumers.
Economist calls for Enoch Godongwana to resign
In a bold statement on an EFF podcast, an independent economist has urged for the resignation of the Finance Minister ahead of the March Budget Speech.
Budget Speech cancellation highlights tensions within South Africa's Coalition Government
The cancellation of South Africa's 2025 Budget Speech due to internal disputes within the Government National Unity raises concerns about the coalition's stability and the country's economic future.
Predictions for South Africa's Budget Speech: Tough decisions ahead for the Finance Minister
As South Africa approaches the highly anticipated budget speech, economists, Dawie Roodt and Ulricht Joubert, have painted a bleak picture of the country’s economic future, warning that the Minister of Finance faces a difficult and challenging task ahead.
Economists predict 2% GDP growth for South Africa in 2025 amid agricultural recovery
“Despite experiencing drought conditions for much of 2024, we expect a rebound in agriculture thanks to improved rainfall patterns across many regions,” he said.
Real estate industry asks for R200m from President Ramaphosa’s transformation fund
In his SoNA 2025, President Cyril Ramaphosa said they will set up a transformation fund worth R20 billion a year over the next five years to fund black-owned and small business enterprises.
South African property market hit by growing divide between affordability and access
Added to that, inconsistency of service delivery has imposed additional costs on property owners, who are forced to invest in alternative electricity supplies and water backups, among other solutions.
Rising fuel costs squeeze incomes, make home loans harder in South Africa
The effect of rising transport costs directly impacts household budgets and the disposable income available for home loans and costs associated with purchasing property, says property expert.
SONA 2025: Give us clarity on the new Expropriation Act - South African property industry
While land reform remains a crucial national imperative, the new Expropriation Act introduces significant risks that could undermine property rights, deter investment, and create economic uncertainty - Sapoa
SONA 2025: President Ramaphosa, you have failed the poor, their homes are worthless assets!
Just hours before President Ramaphosa is set to address South Africans in the SONA, many South Africans still don’t even have title deeds to their homes - which means they will never be able to create generational wealth. Added to that ailing municipalities and clunky red tape is hampering the affordable housing sector and White Papers don’t address important sectors.
South Africa's human settlements sector struggles with housing accessibility for the gap market, warns DHS
Professor François Viruly, University of Cape Town associate professor and director of the Urban Real Estate Research Unit, said it is becoming increasingly clear that delivery of housing by different tiers of government does not meet the required demand.
Despite crowding, affordability issues, Western Cape still leads uptick in new residential developments
And, retail developments are likely to follow in areas where residential growth occurs, says economist John Loos.
Municipalities’ service delivery challenges: a direct threat to property values, says estate agency
In a response to Independent Media Property enquiry, the estate agency’s CEO Richard Gray, said if municipalities continue to fail in this respect, it will directly impact the value of properties, affordability and the availability of housing a few years down the line.
Pick n Pay sees modest gains as Boxer shines, but challenges persist
Pick n Pay's latest trading update reveals a tale of two retailers: while Boxer demonstrates remarkable 11. 4% growth, the core Pick n Pay brand faces ongoing challenges amid its transformation journey.
Business as usual for the property market, despite expropriation noise
The new Act is very specific in terms of the conditions for expropriation, and, importantly, the protection of the “property clause” under Section 25 of the Constitution remains in place, says Seeff. Others agree, saying it is not, on the face of it, the disaster some say it is.
Trump's tariff will disrupt global trade - how will this impact South Africa’s economy?
Trump has sent shock waves through the international markets and his actions could lead to disruptions in global trade, reshape supply chains, and send investors scrambling to reassess their strategies.
Every cent counts, and the R156 saved on interest rates will help consumers. . . but not everyone thinks so
Academic says no case for optimism regarding the economy’s outlook based on the most recent interest rate cut but property group says it will bring relief.
Understanding the factors behind rising petrol prices in South Africa
Don’t forget to fill up your tanks tomorrow as a steep petrol price increase is on the cards
Despite 3 consecutive interest rate cuts, hard-hit homeowners have nothing much to show for them
A saving of a mere R170 for those owning a R1m home, will hardly make a dent in the pockets of hard-hit South African consumers.
Devastation predicted for South Africans hoping for a year of major interest rate cuts - but it’s not all gloom
2025 may not pan out to be the year of major interest rate cuts, but there is still some hope for a better year in the property sector, say economists and property experts.
South Africans are holding on to their money, hoping for an interest rate cut this week
An interest rate cut is likely this week, say economists, but will it be enough to get consumers to buy property?
How Ithala SOC aims to drive economic growth in KwaZulu-Natal despite legal hurdles
Ithala SOC stands as a crucial partner in KwaZulu-Natal’s economic development, despite facing significant legal challenges that threaten its future.
Crumbling infrastructure, deteriorating municipalities, threaten property sector
Speaking to Independent Media Property recently, Neil Gopal, CEO of SAPOA (South African Property Owners Association), said despite recent positive trends in the property market, the ongoing issues at the municipal level threaten to possibly derail the commercial and industrial property sector’s recovery.
Sacci: Outlook for trade remains positive despite current challenges
The survey suggests that although some structural economic impediments may be resolved, the poor economic performance at present is preventing trade from reaching its more optimal potential.