insert_link South Africa Cosatu Expresses Disappointment with S.A’s Treasury’s Economic Strategies S.A union, Cosatu says it remains underwhelmed and disappointed by the Treasury’s continued approach to tackling South Africa’s deep-seated economic and governance crises. The union federation was responding to the Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement. Cosatu’s, Matthew Parks, says the fundamental challenges facing the nation are a stagnant economy and a rising unemployment rate of 42.6-percent: todayOctober 31, 2024 13
insert_link South Africa S.A’s EFF rejects Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement The Economic Freedom Fightersin South Africa have rejected the Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement, claiming the government favors private sector profits over job creation and economic growth. Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana defended the budget in Parliament, emphasizing a commitment to sustainable public finances. EFF leader Julius Malema criticized the statement for overlooking the rising unemployment crisis. RISE Mzansi leader Songezo Zibi has called for financial reform to address national debt […] todayOctober 31, 2024 13
insert_link Business / Economics DA leader and Agriculture minister John Steenhuisen endorsed the mid-term budget DA leader and Agriculture minister John Steenhuisen endorsed the mid-term budget, calling it the right step toward fiscal growth. Speaking outside Parliament, Steenhuisen commended the focus on debt reduction, infrastructure spending, halting bailouts for state-owned entities, and the end of e-tolls. He emphasises the DA’s role in driving reforms through the government of national unity, through economic growth and job creation: todayOctober 31, 2024 13
insert_link Business / Economics South Africa nears compliance with the Financial Action Task Force’s financial crime requirements South Africa is close to meeting the Financial Action Task Force's requirements to combat financial crimes like money laundering and terrorism financing. In his first medium-term budget policy statement for the seventh administration, Finance minister Enoch Godongwana said only six items remain to be addressed by February next year, with 16 of the 22 requirements already fully or mostly completed: todayOctober 31, 2024 11
insert_link South Africa OUTA Calls for Budget Focus on S.A’s Corruption and Economic Stability…. The Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse has urged Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana to prioritize anti-corruption efforts in the medium-term budget policy statement, advocating for reduced spending on non-core state-owned entities. Meanwhile, agriculture organization TLU SA expects the budget to focus on economic growth and stability in light of the changing political climate. TLU SA’s Bennie van Zyl emphasized the importance of enhancing security and economic confidence in South Africa. todayOctober 30, 2024 16
insert_link South Africa Build One South Africa opposes any reductions in the education budget Build One South Africa says it unequivocally opposes any reductions in the education budget and urges the government to identify alternative funding sources. This is as Finance minister Enoch Godongwana is set to deliver the Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement in Parliament today. BOSA president, Mmusi Maimane, says they have identified several sources from which to redirect at least 50-billion-rand in funds towards the education budget shortfall, and ensure teachers […] todayOctober 30, 2024 15
insert_link South Africa S.A Parliament to Act on Thabo Bester’s Prison Escape Findings South Africa's Correctional Services Committee in Parliament will oversee remedial actions against individuals involved in Thabo Bester’s prison escape. This follows a briefing on the Public Protector's report, which highlighted failures by the Department of Correctional Services in handling Bester's escape from Mangaung prison in the Free State. Parliamentary legal adviser Bulelani Simani confirmed that they will ensure the department takes the necessary steps to address the issues raised […] todayOctober 30, 2024 15
insert_link South Africa ANC Announces January 8 Rally in Cape Town to Celebrate Party’s Founding To South Africa now, where the ANC has announced the upcoming January 8 rally will take place in Cape Town. The event marks the party's celebration of its founding and will serve as an opportunity to mobilise support and engage with members and the public. Mbalula told the media the party is expected to highlight its goals and achievements during the rally, further solidifying its presence in the region: todayOctober 30, 2024 13
insert_link South Africa ANC strengthens integrity commission to address ethical conduct The ANC has strengthened its integrity commission by establishing a new appeals panel to address ethical conduct among its members. The panel will allow individuals to appeal decisions made by the commission and ensure that members under investigation can respond to draft reports. Briefing the media on the outcomes of the special national executive committee meeting in Boksburg, ANC secretary general Fikile Mbalula said the changes aim to ensure fairness […] todayOctober 30, 2024 16