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South Africa's policy uncertainty index plunges to record low as global and local tensions rise
The North West University Policy Uncertainty Index for 1Q 2025 indicates a significant rise to 78. 6, reflecting ongoing economic challenges in South Africa. Professor Raymond Parsons discusses the implications of this record high and the potential for recovery amidst global economic uncertainties.
Beyond numbers: South Africa’s budget as a blueprint for aspiration, equity and renewal
South Africa's national budget stands at a crucial crossroads between social welfare and economic growth. This analysis explores how strategic fiscal planning could transform the nation's future, balancing social responsibilities with competitive advantage in the global market.
Ramaphosa advocates for more investment in Early Childhood Development for social equality
Cyril Ramaphosa highlights the vital role of early childhood development in shaping a more equitable education system in South Africa.
World Bank: SA's economic growth held back by 'excessive' regulations and BEE policies
The World Bank warns that South Africa's excessive regulatory burden and complex BEE laws are stifling economic growth and job creation, calling for urgent reforms to attract investment and stimulate recovery across all sectors of society.
Government takes bold steps to revitalise the logistics as World Bank highlights inclusive growth
The South African government announces ambitious plans to revolutionise the logistics sector, backed by World Bank support, with key focus on rail infrastructure and private sector participation. Transport Minister Barbara Creecy outlines strategic reforms aimed at moving 250 million tonnes of freight by 2030.
USAID pours third of global aid into Ukraine as agency faces uncertain future
As USAID faces potential shutdown under Trump and Musk's influence, Ukraine's lifeline of billions in aid hangs in the balance.
South Africa's economic outlook: World Bank projects GDP growth increase
The World Bank has raised South Africa's GDP growth forecast for 2025, highlighting improvements in the energy and logistics sectors, but warns of ongoing challenges in poverty and unemployment.
World Bank warns of stagnant global growth, particularly in developing economies
The World Bank has issued a stark warning regarding the state of the global economy, projecting that growth will remain stable this year, but at historic lows.
Austerity: A club to bludgeon the poor
If the ANC blindly continues with austerity it will be removed from power. We do not have a left party and will not have one for as long as the SACP and Cosatu remain tied to the ANC and Numsa and Abahlali baseMjondolo do not work towards building an inclusive mass-based left project.
Africa Unbound: Dr Arikana Chihombori-Quao's Call to Reclaim Power
Dr Arikana Chihombori-Quao had left all with a mandate: to build an Africa that is powerful, united, and unapologetically proud, an Africa that would no longer stand in the shadow of others but would take its rightful place on the world stage, driven by a collective will and fortified by the indomitable spirit of its people.
BRICS and Africa: A Transformative Opportunity
For Africa, BRICS is not just a partnership—it is a transformative opportunity. The time to seize that opportunity is now.
Understanding money laundering in South Africa: how businesses can protect themselves
Explore how South African businesses can combat the rising threat of money laundering and protect their operations from criminal activities.
SARB’s monetary policy a tool of neo-colonial influence
Is the Bank governor’s approach to interest rates too dogmatic? Should the SARB mandate be expanded to help the country address the crisis of poverty, unemployment and inequality? Can the SARB be redeemed? the writer asks.
Lifting 800 million people out of extreme poverty: Lessons for South Africa from China
The two leaders issued a joint statement in which China commits to ‘sharing with South Africa experience in poverty alleviation and rural revitalisation; in building poverty alleviation model villages and offering support for South Africa’s co-ordinated urban and rural development’.
South Africa should strengthen its BRICS alignment
By strengthening its BRICS alignment, South Africa can promote its own national interests, while also contributing to a more equitable and just global economic order.
New Development Bank: a bank for the global south by the global south
Meeting under the theme: ‘Investing in a Sustainable Future’, the annual meeting, which comprises several events, will seek to ensure that it is continuing its founding mandate.
G20 in 2025: Can South Africa follow Brazil’s Big Development agenda?
At a time when the UN prepares for its historic Summit of the Future 2024, Brazil has anchored its G20 presidency on the UN Sustainable Development Goals agenda, the writer says.
EFF stands with Kenyan protesters against new Finance Bill
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) have voiced their support for Kenyan protesters opposing the IMF and World Bank-backed 2024 Finance Bill, which threatens to impose burdensome taxes.
Global financial system does not favour African and smaller nations
OPINION: Zambia has struggled to settle its debt, which, at some point, had reached 120% of its gross domestic product (GDP), writes Gwinyai Taruvinga.
On this day, March 30
Church reaffirms condemnation of abortion and euthanasia, a globally significant royal dies, US president shot, and farewell to one of the greatest cricketers
Global cultural leaders to convene in SA to support museums and cultural enterprises across Africa
This unique project will create a dynamic network of senior executives, educational initiatives and strategic partnerships with universities and worldwide organisations.
Waning influence of G-77 raises questions about relevance
OPINION: The G-77 had emerged as the institutional embodiment of the shared ideology of the Global South countries that the US-led liberal global order undermined with their sovereignty and exacerbated the inequalities between the rich and poor countries, writes Dr Sizo Nkala.
ICYMI: This is the most powerful man in the world but you’ve probably never heard of him
The highly successful man values his privacy, so much so that most people outside the finance industry don’t even know he exists.
Godongwana says R19 billion loan from World Bank will help deal with energy crisis
Minister of Finance Enoch Godongwana said the repayment of the R19 billion loan from the World Bank loan will start in 2029.