AfriForum Challenges Eskom’s Tariff Hike Proposal

AfriForum Challenges Eskom’s Tariff Hike Proposal

In S.A, AfriForum has opposed Eskom's proposed 36.15-percent power tariff hike at Gauteng's public consultation today. AfriForum's Morné Mostert emphasised that consumers, particularly low-income households, cannot bear the burden of Eskom's mismanagement. Mostert confirms that AfriForum has submitted a petition to further challenge the increase:

December 5, 2024 12

South Africa

Calls Grow In S.A for Minister Simelane’s Suspension

Defend Our Democracy South Africa calls for former Justice minister Thembi Simelane to be removed from her new role as minister of Human Settlements over fresh corruption allegations. The group’s executive director, Zaakirah Vadi, urges president Cyril Ramaphosa to suspend her pending the outcome of the investigation:

December 5, 2024 7

South Africa

In S.A, 150 Illegal Miners Trapped in Abandoned Sabie Mine

To South Africa, where around 150 illegal miners are trapped inside an abandoned mine in Sabie, Mpumalanga, with three reported dead and six already rescued. The situation was discovered when four suspected miners fleeing the scene alerted security personnel. Police spokesperson Donald Mdhluli says the miners, reportedly forced to work under dangerous conditions, have raised concerns that those running the operation may be armed:

December 5, 2024 13

South Africa

SA’s new land law limits rural landowners

The Institute of Race Relations has raised concerns over the deprivation of rural landowners’ property rights under the newly amended Communal Property Association Act. Gabriel Crouse of the IRR says 470-thousand rural landowners are now required to obtain state approval to lease or sell their land, which undermines economic freedom.

December 4, 2024 17

Business / Economics

Moody’s affirms South Africa’s Ba2 rating with a stable outlook

Moody's has affirmed South Africa's long-term debt ratings at "Ba2" with a stable outlook. The agency cited the country's strong institutions, like the judiciary and central bank, as credit strengths. However, persistent inequalities continue to hinder reforms and pose social risks, according to Moody's.

December 4, 2024 8

South Africa

Cosatu Expresses Concern Over South Africa’s 0.3% GDP Contraction

S.A Union Cosatu says it is disheartening that the country’s gross domestic product has contracted by 0.3-percent in the third quarter compared to the second quarter. Statistics South Africa said the leading contributors to the decline were agriculture, transport, and communications. Cosatu’s, Zanele Sabela, says for a brief period, it appeared as if things were improving when expanded unemployment fell by 0.7-percent, and inflation dropped to 2.8-percent:

December 4, 2024 9

South Africa

DA Criticizes Ramaphosa’s Redeployment of Justice Minister Simelane as “Short-Sighted”….

To South Africa, where the DA says president Cyril Ramaphosa’s decision to remove Thembi Simelane as minister of Justice and Constitutional Development and redeploy her as minister of Human Settlements, is short-sighted and disrespectful to South Africans. There has been mounting pressure for the president to remove her after it emerged she received a loan from a company that benefited from VBS Mutual Bank, while she was Polokwane […]

December 4, 2024 13

Business / Economics

S.A’s Tourism Council CEO Optimistic as G20 Presidency Boosts Tourism Growth

S.A's Tourism Business Council CEO Tshifhiwa Tshivhengwa says South Africa is poised to shine after it accepted the G20 presidency for 2025. Strengthened market positioning is boosting international conventions, including the 2025 G20 Summit, driving growth in business and leisure tourism. He calls for improved safety to attract more visitors and sustain the nation’s tourism momentum:

December 4, 2024 11

Business / Economics

Economist Urges Reforms as South Africa’s GDP Shrinks by 0.3%

In S.A, North-West University Business School economist, Raymond Parsons, has called for urgent economic reforms following the disappointing gross domestic product growth figures for the third quarter, when it decreased by 0.3-percent. Parsons calls for more investment and faster reforms from both the public and private sectors to drive job-rich growth and improve the economy:

December 4, 2024 13