insert_link Business / Economics South Africa has spent billions in 4 years to create jobs for young people: how their wages affect the broader economy By Joshua Budlender, UMass Amherst and Ihsaan Bassier, London School of Economics and Political Science In October 2020 the South African government launched a collection of public employment programmes, initially intended as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The initiative, called the Presidential Employment Stimulus, has been extended since then. The total budget allocation to March 2024 was R42 billion (US$2.1 billion). By December 2023 it had […] todayFebruary 16, 2024 3
insert_link South Africa EFF Threatens March to American Embassy in South Africa Over Ongoing Palestinian Bombardment Julius Malema, leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters, issues a threat to march to the American embassy if the bombardment and alleged genocide of Palestinians continue. Speaking at a media briefing in Johannesburg, Malema condemns recent attacks on Palestine, accusing Israel and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of defying the International Court of Justice's order to cease hostilities. The EFF leader declares the party's intention to hold the American embassy accountable […] todayFebruary 16, 2024 4
insert_link South Africa SA President Ramaphosa Highlights Progress in Tackling South Africa’s Long-Standing Electricity Crisis South African President Cyril Ramaphosa asserts that the government is achieving tangible advancements in resolving the 15-year-long electricity crisis. He points to enhanced maintenance at Eskom plants, resulting in damaged units returning to service ahead of schedule. In response to the state of the nation address in Parliament, Ramaphosa notes a significant uptick in rooftop solar installations by businesses and households, supported by government incentives. todayFebruary 16, 2024 4
insert_link South Africa DA Holds President Ramaphosa Responsible for Soldiers’ Deaths in DRC The Democratic Alliance in South Africa attributes the deaths of two South African Defence Force soldiers in Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo, to President Cyril Ramaphosa. DA's national spokesperson for Defence and Military Veterans, Kobus Marais, argues that Ramaphosa was warned against deploying additional troops due to inadequate capacity to combat the M23 rebels. Marais urges Parliament to intervene and prevent further loss of life. todayFebruary 16, 2024 4
insert_link South Africa South AfricaFNB Senior Economist Highlights Decline in South African Shopping Activity Amidst Challenging Economic Climate Senior economist at FNB South Africa, Siphamandla Mkhwanazi, notes a one-percent decline in shopping activity last year compared to 2022, indicating a subdued consumer demand environment. This trend is anticipated to persist in the near term, driven by factors such as persistent inflation, elevated interest rates, and dwindling consumer confidence. Mkhwanazi emphasizes that tight lending standards and high debt service costs are likely to keep credit growth contained, both in […] todayFebruary 15, 2024 9
insert_link South Africa GOOD Party Criticizes South Africa’s Human Settlements White Paper The GOOD Party in South Africa voices reservations about the White Paper for Human Settlements, arguing that it undermines citizens' rights to adequate housing. Criticized for restructuring without enhancement, the paper is accused of potentially diminishing the state's constitutional responsibility. Brett Herron, GOOD Party's secretary-general, emphasizes that the current approach falls short of addressing the urgent need for improved housing initiatives, stating that access to decent housing is more than […] todayFebruary 15, 2024 10
insert_link South Africa SA Council on Higher Education Urges Periodic Employee Qualification Verification In a renewed plea, the South African Council on Higher Education is urging employers to regularly verify the qualifications of their staff. Whitfield Green, the council's CEO, has underscored a growing trend in incidents related to counterfeit certificates, fraudulent activities, and the misrepresentation of qualifications. Green emphasizes that these deceptive certificates are being issued by individuals unaffiliated with the Quality Assurance Council Umalusi, cautioning the public against acquiring fake credentials. […] todayFebruary 15, 2024 14
insert_link South Africa South Africa all out 235, New Zealand need 267 to win 2nd Test South Africa were all out for 235 in their second innings on Thursday, leaving New Zealand a target of 267 to win the second Test in Hamilton. David Bedingham scored 110 for the Proteas whlle New Zealand seamer Will O'Rourke, on debut, took 5-34. New Zealand lead the two-match series 1-0. dgi/dh AFP (NAMPA / AFP) todayFebruary 15, 2024
insert_link South Africa South African Poultry Association Expresses Concerns Over Market Inquiry The South African Poultry Association raises concerns about assumptions made by the Competition Commission in its announcement of a market inquiry into the poultry industry value chain. The association objects to remarks about bailouts and anti-dumping duties, urging increased support for the industry amidst challenges. todayFebruary 15, 2024 18
