insert_link South Africa DA Calls for Urgent Probe into Malotana’s Appointment as Gauteng Health Head The DA in Gauteng says it has written to the Public Protector to request an urgent investigation into the suspicious appointment of Arnold Lesiba Malotana as the head of the provincial Department of Health. The DA’s Jack Bloom says during a meeting of the provincial legislature's health committee, Health, and Wellness MEC, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko announced that Malotana was no longer the acting head of the department, having been made permanent […] todayJuly 29, 2024 43
insert_link Namibia President Mbumba Urges Banks to Prioritize Development and SME Support President Nangolo Mbumba has called on commercial banks to shift their focus from profit-driven motives to actively contributing to Namibia's development. Speaking to bank executives in Windhoek, Mbumba highlighted the need for banks to support small and medium-sized enterprises by easing collateral requirements and adopting equity-type funding mechanisms. He stressed the importance of banks becoming development partners, promoting social inclusion, and utilizing innovative banking tools like mobile banking. The meeting […] todayJuly 29, 2024 18
insert_link Namibia Fatal Fall from Water Tank at Otjiwarongo A 59-year-old man died instantly yesterday after allegedly falling from a 15-metre-high water tank while performing maintenance work in Otjiwarongo. Senior Inspector, Maureen Mbeha of the Namibian Police Force reported that the incident occurred at 13:00 in the Orwetoveni residential area, near Karundu Primary School. Preliminary investigations suggest that the man's protection belt may have become loose, leading to the fatal fall. His 37-year-old colleague was rescued from the tank […] todayJuly 29, 2024 23
insert_link Business / Economics Quad foreign ministers meet in Tokyo amid regional security worries Foreign ministers from Australia, India, Japan and the US kicked off a meeting in Tokyo on Monday to discuss deepening their collaboration on economic, security and humanitarian issues in the Indo-Pacific. It is their first gathering since September 2023, as Laura Westbrook reports from Hong Kong. todayJuly 29, 2024 27
insert_link South Africa City of Cape Town says Transnet must expedite private sector involvement in the port operations The City of Cape Town says Transnet must expedite private sector involvement in the port operations, and the development and maintenance of a liquid bulk terminal at the Port of Cape Town. Mayoral committee member for Economic Growth, James Vos, says the port’s performance impacts a diverse range of critical products, from agricultural goods to high-value exports like wine and seafood: todayJuly 29, 2024 11
insert_link South Africa S.A union Cosatu says a renewed AGOA needs to include provisions to support compliance with fair labour practices S.A union, Cosatu says a renewed AGOA needs to include provisions to support compliance with fair labour practices and penalise employers who flout labour laws. Cosatu’s Matthew Parks says AGOA has increased investments by US companies, supporting 450-thousand direct, value chain, and indirect South African jobs. He adds the country’s mining, manufacturing, and agricultural sectors benefit from the large volumes of exports to the US: todayJuly 29, 2024 19
insert_link Business / Economics Local Economics Researcher Josef Sheehama predicts the U.S Federal Reserve will cut interest rates by 0.25 basis points Local Business and Economics Researcher , Josef Sheehama predicts the U.S Federal Reserve will cut interest rates by 0.25 basis points in September, citing cooling inflation and a softening job market. Despite objections from presidential candidate Donald Trump, Sheehama remains confident that the rate cut will proceed, driven by positive economic indicators and the Fed's commitment to achieving a 2% inflation target. todayJuly 29, 2024 31
insert_link World US Secretary of State Antony Blinken Points to Hezbollah in Golan Heights Rocket Attack US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, says there is every indication that a rocket that hit a soccer pitch in Golan Heights was fired by Lebanese militant group Hezbollah. The attack killed 12 people including children. Hezbollah has denied it was behind the strike, the deadliest to hit Israel or Israeli-controlled territory since the 7 October attacks by Hamas. Blinken says America’s support for Israel’s security is unwavering against all […] todayJuly 29, 2024 20
insert_link Business / Economics INTERVIEW: Business and Economics Researcher Josef Sheehama on Interest Rate Cuts In the midst of heated debates and mixed emotions surrounding the potential for a Federal Reserve interest rate cut, Business and Economics Researcher Josef Sheehama provides insightful analysis on the matter. Sheehama notes that current economic indicators suggest a favorable environment for a rate cut. "If we look at the current inflation trends, we see that inflation is starting to cool off, with some prices beginning to decline. […] todayJuly 29, 2024 25