Business Confidence Climbs Amid Improved Credit Access

Business Confidence Climbs Amid Improved Credit Access

The latest Standard Bank Afrotrade barometer indicates a rise in local business confidence, with the index score increasing from 58 to 59 out of 100 since May 2023. As per The Brief, this boost is largely due to improved access to credit, as only 39% of surveyed businesses reported challenges in securing credit, a slight improvement from 42% reported in May 2023.

October 29, 2024 10

South Africa

Freedom Front Plus Criticizes Tobacco Bill Consultations as Inadequate

Freedom Front Plus says it firmly maintains its stance that the consultation processes followed with the Tobacco Products and Electronic Delivery Systems Control Bill of 2022 were inadequate, and that the law’s processing should not continue. The party's Philip van Staden says the Department of Health was dishonest about the prescribed processes:

October 29, 2024 16

Environment

Bank of Namibia Orders Financial Relief for Drought-Stricken Farmers

The Bank of Namibia has directed local financial institutions to establish relief measures designed to support farmers and agricultural businesses facing severe financial difficulties caused by the ongoing drought. BoN’s Director of Strategic Communications and International Relations, Kazembire Zemburuka, explained that this move follows a state of emergency declaration in response to what is described as the worst drought Namibia has experienced in a century, according to The Brief.

October 29, 2024 11

World

Political uncertainty persists in Japan

Japan is continuing to face political uncertainty in the aftermath of the ruling coalition losing its parliamentary majority in a general election. Parliament will have to vote within the next few weeks to choose a prime minister. Rebecca Bundhun reports from Tokyo.

October 29, 2024 7

Namibia

Opposition Urges Swapo’s Nandi-Ndaitwah to Prioritize Health Amid Campaign Demands

Opposition parties have urged Swapo presidential candidate Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah to prioritize her health, citing the demanding nature of campaigning. Nandi-Ndaitwah, who turns 72 today, fainted during a recent rally in Otjiwarongo but has denied any serious health issues. In a statement, she reassured the public that she is fine and committed to serving if elected. Nandi-Ndaitwah noted that the country cannot afford an unhealthy workforce due to productivity concerns. Popular […]

October 29, 2024 17

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Health / Medical

Psychological counsellor Talks profound grief

Psychological counsellor Marcella Katjijova spoke to our news team on the profound grief families endure in the wake of tragedies. During her recent interview, Katjijova detailed the psychological stages the affected persons often navigate when faced with the unimaginable reality of grief.

October 29, 2024 19 1

World

The UN says Israel’s banning of UNRWA is “outrageous”

The United Nations has warned that the law passed by the Israeli Parliament on Monday banning UNRWA violates the UN charter and Israel's obligations under international law. Israel's parliament approved the controversial bill, following allegations that some of UNRWA's staff members participated in the October 7th attacks last year. Jody Jacobs has more from the United Nations in New York.

October 29, 2024 25

South Africa

South Africa Submits Evidence to ICJ on Alleged Israeli Genocide Against Palestinians

The S.A Presidency says they've has submitted evidence to the International Court of Justice at the Hague in the Netherlands, regarding alleged genocide by Israel against Palestinians in Gaza. This submission includes a memorial with over 750 pages detailing claims that Israel has violated the Genocide Convention. Presidency spokesperson Vincent Magwenya says the evidence accuses Israel of harming Palestinians through military actions, denying them humanitarian aid, and creating conditions for […]

October 29, 2024 13

World

NATO confirms North Korean forces in Russia’s Kursk

NATO's Secretary-General has confirmed that North Korean forces are in the Russian territory of Kursk. That region is partially controlled by Ukraine signaling that they are now or soon to be in direct combat. William Denselow reports from Brussels where NATO is headquartered.

October 29, 2024 13