Latest News & Developments
economy
Unlocking tourism potential between China and South Africa
unlocking tourism potential between China and South Africa
South Africa's agricultural exports surged by 10% in first quarter of 2025
South Africa's agricultural exports have shown strong growth, as it surged by 10% year-on-year to US$3. 36 billion in Q1 2025
Business leader welcomes move to create KZN provincial wealth fund to boost economic development
KwaZulu-Natal's new Provincial Wealth Fund is set to revolutionise public-private partnerships and drive inclusive economic growth
New wealth fund proposed for KwaZulu-Natal to boost projects
A new wealth fund proposed for KwaZulu-Natal aims to revolutionise project financing, ensuring timely completion and job creation through innovative public-private partnerships
Spaza shop support fund: Only 387 applications processed, Committee urges greater participation
The Portfolio Committee on Small Business Development raises alarms over the sluggish processing of applications for the R500 million spaza shop support fund, urging small business owners to seize this vital opportunity for growth and job creation.
How Paul Mashatile's visit to France aims to boost South Africa's economic ties
Deputy President Paul Mashatile leads a high-level South African delegation to France, seeking to boost bilateral relations and unlock significant investment opportunities in trade, renewable energy, and healthcare. This visit promises to pave the way for enhanced economic collaboration between the two nations.
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.
Unlocking job opportunities: KZN's cannabis processing facility initiative
Amid rising unemployment, the KwaZulu-Natal government is launching a Shared Cannabis Processing Facility to stimulate the local economy and empower rural communities through job creation.
Poetic Licence
South Africa’s long walk to economic freedom is being blocked, not only by the ghosts of apartheid, but also by the DA in full daylight. Let’s call a thing what it is: their opposition to the Amendment Act is a political statement that says transformation must stop at the gates of privilege. It is about fear. Fear of a South Africa where opportunity doesn’t come with that same privilege that grew on the topsoil of the shallow, unmarked graves they buried our people in. The same privilege that was watered with our blood. The DA is fighting tooth and nail to continue eating from the fruits of those atrocities.
Nedbank Cup final: A significant economic boost for Durban
As the Nedbank Cup final approaches, Durban anticipates a significant economic boost, with thousands of fans expected to flock to the city, promising a financial windfall for local businesses
The week Trump pushed the global economy to the brink with tariffs — and then pulled back
US President Donald Trump’s retreat on tariffs Wednesday sent the stock market soaring.
South African red meat producers concerned about market spillover effects of Trump tariffs
South African agricultural associations express concern over potential US tariffs on exports, highlighting the implications for the red meat industry and broader agricultural sector.
VAT hike: a burden on South Africa's most vulnerable citizens
"The poorest of the poor will take the brunt even if it's 0. 5% this year and 0. 5% the following year"
Should South Africa clap back with tariffs on US? Too risky, says government
Minister Parks Tau said sending the South African delegation to United States remains the correct approach, as announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa.
DA contests legality of Budget due to unfair VAT increase
The Democratic Alliance has filed a legal challenge against the upcoming VAT increase, arguing it will unfairly burden South Africans already struggling with high living costs.
Elon Musk's political shift: From green energy advocate to MAGA supporter
Explore Elon Musk's dramatic political shift from a pro-green energy advocate to a key player in the MAGA movement, and uncover the implications of his influence on American politics.
DA challenges legality of Budget 2025 in court, citing unfair VAT hike
The Democratic Alliance (DA) is taking a stand against the planned VAT increase set for May 1, filing papers in the Western Cape High Court to challenge its legality. This move follows the recent approval of the 2025 fiscal framework, which the DA argues will unfairly burden South Africans already facing financial difficulties.
Mashatile: 'Clean up Gauteng, curb crime to unlock R300 billion investment potential'
Deputy President Paul Mashatile has called on Gauteng to transform itself through infrastructure development, crime reduction, and a 'clean city campaign' to secure R300 billion in investments. Speaking at the inaugural Gauteng Investment Conference, Mashatile emphasised that the province's role as South Africa's economic powerhouse, contributing 35% to national GDP, makes its revitalisation critical for achieving the country's 3% growth target.
Mashatile: 'Clean up Gauteng, curb crime to unlock R300 billion investment potential'
Deputy President Paul Mashatile has called on Gauteng to transform itself through infrastructure development, crime reduction, and a 'clean city campaign' to secure R300 billion in investments. Speaking at the inaugural Gauteng Investment Conference, Mashatile emphasised that the province's role as South Africa's economic powerhouse, contributing 35% to national GDP, makes its revitalisation critical for achieving the country's 3% growth target.
Gauteng launches inaugural investment conference with ambitious R300 billion pledge target
Gauteng is poised to secure over R300 billion in investment pledges from more than 50 companies at Thursday's inaugural Investment Conference at Melrose Arch. Top government officials including Deputy President Mashatile and Premier Lesufi will outline plans to transform the province's economy, create jobs, and address infrastructure challenges as South Africa's economic powerhouse aims to double its R1. 1 trillion economy.
Gauteng launches inaugural Investment Conference with ambitious R300 billion pledge target
Gauteng is poised to secure over R300 billion in investment pledges from more than 50 companies at Thursday's inaugural Investment Conference at Melrose Arch. Top government officials including Deputy President Mashatile and Premier Lesufi will outline plans to transform the province's economy, create jobs, and address infrastructure challenges as South Africa's economic powerhouse aims to double its R1. 1 trillion economy.
Economists fear crucial budget vote could threaten economic stability as tensions rise
South Africa's Standing Committee on Finance is set to vote on the fiscal framework, potentially deciding the fate of Finance Minister Godongwana's proposed VAT increase and testing the fragility of the Government of National Unity. Economic experts warn of various potential outcomes and their implications for the country's financial markets and economic stability.
PwC warns of energy risks and water shortages as business concerns rise in South Africa
Despite the suspension of load shedding since March 2024, PwC's latest South Africa Economic Outlook reveals that business leaders still consider energy disruptions their primary concern, alongside growing worries about water shortages and extreme weather events. The report outlines critical mitigation strategies businesses must implement to ensure resilience against these challenges in 2025-2026.
Budget negotiations and Trump tariffs spark rand's decline amidst political turmoil
The rand has fallen nearly 1% against the US dollar as Parliament faces a critical Budget deadline. With GNU parties divided over proposed VAT increases and economists warning of dire consequences if consensus isn't reached by Wednesday, South Africa's economy hangs in the balance
Food prices likely to spike despite improving power supply, fuel costs: Report
While food inflation shows signs of easing, ongoing challenges from loadshedding, high transport costs, and drought conditions continue to threaten food security and strain household budgets. The report reveals changing consumer behaviors, with many South Africans switching to more affordable protein alternatives as they navigate the country's complex food pricing landscape.