insert_link South Africa South Africa’s Public Works Minister Reveals 338 Hijacked Government Buildings Nationwide S.A Public Works and Infrastructure minister Dean MacPherson has revealed that 338 government-owned buildings have been hijacked nationwide. These properties have been illegally occupied, impacting government operations and public services. Recently, one building in eThekwini, KwaZulu-Natal, was successfully reclaimed. In a media briefing, MacPherson said the department is working to reclaim these buildings, prevent further hijackings, and protect state assets: todayAugust 29, 2024 10
insert_link World Use of force by police in U.S remains widespread New analysis shows police in the US use force on at least 300,000 people each year, leaving around one third of them with injuries. Researchers behind the findings, first reported by the Guardian, say use of force remains widespread. That's despite worldwide protests against police brutality following the murder of George Floyd in 2020. Here's our Sally Patterson with more. todayAugust 29, 2024 9
insert_link Business / Economics Namibians Need N$36,000 Monthly to Qualify for N$1-Million Home Loan, Reveals Affordability Crisis Salomo Hei, Economist and Managing Director at High Economic Intelligence, has highlighted that Namibians need a monthly income of N$36,000 to secure a N$1-million home loan, exposing the worsening affordability crisis in the country reports The Brief. Hei attributes the steep cost of housing to the sharply rising price of land. He also noted that high interest rates and restricted access to financing have made homeownership increasingly unattainable for many. […] todayAugust 29, 2024 13
insert_link APO International Media Statement: Standing Committee on Finance Calls on South African Reserve Bank (SARB) to Seriously Look at High-Interest Rate Issue The Standing Committee on Finance has called on the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) to seriously look at the issue of the high interest rate which is making life difficult for both the poor and middle-income earners in South Africa. The Committee Chairperson, Dr Joe Maswanganyi, said that the committee is raising this matter not to instruct the central bank to lower the interest rate, but to consider it an […] todayAugust 29, 2024 4
insert_link South Africa Uncertainty Surrounds ActionSA’s Position Ahead of No Confidence Vote Against Tshwane Mayor Cilliers Brink In S.A, the ANC’s motion of no confidence against Tshwane mayor Cilliers Brink will be on council's agenda this week, with the vote scheduled for today. Uncertainty remains about ActionSA’s stance, whether they will align with the ANC or stay with the DA-led coalition. Brink has stressed the importance of stable governance in the city: todayAugust 29, 2024 7
insert_link World UN halts World Food Programme conveys in Gaza The World Food Programme has paused the movements of its employees in Gaza until further notice. This after a WFP team came under fire on Tuesday night a few metres from an Israeli checkpoint at the Wadi Gaza bridge. The United Nations has once again called on all parties to the conflict to respect international humanitarian law. Jody Jacobs reports from the United Nations in New York. todayAugust 29, 2024 6
insert_link Africa Over 31 Million Nigerians Face Acute Food Shortages Amid Security Challenges and Subsidy Removal The Nigerian government reported that over 31.8 million Nigerians are facing acute food shortages due to ongoing security issues and the removal of fuel subsidies, according to CNBCAfrica. This figure marks a significant rise from the 18.6 million reported by the U.N. World Food Programme in late 2023. The worsening crisis has led to increased malnutrition, especially among women and children. todayAugust 29, 2024 4
insert_link Business / Economics Air Cargo Demand Surges in July, Marking Strong Year for the Industry The International Air Transport Association's July analysis shows a 13.6% increase in air cargo demand compared to July last year, marking the eighth consecutive month of double-digit growth. The air cargo sector is benefiting from global trade expansion, booming e-commerce, and maritime shipping constraints, setting the stage for a robust year. IATA's Public and Media Relations Advisor, Linden Birns. todayAugust 29, 2024 20
insert_link Business / Economics 29 August 2024 Morning Biz News: Namibian Oil Reserves Boost Local Bonds; MTN’s New Appointments; Dollar Steady; Nvidia Surges Namibian Oil Reserves Drive Local Bond Index Surge The discovery of substantial crude oil reserves in Namibia has ignited interest in Namibian assets, notably boosting an index fund tracking local government bonds. The Exchange Traded Fund, listed on both the Namibian and South African stock exchanges, has surged over 20% in U.S. dollar terms since Galp's announcement in April of the Mopane field potentially holding at least 10 billion […] todayAugust 29, 2024 15
