insert_link South Africa The DA says it opposes any proposed increases to South Africa’s national minimum wage In S.A. the DA says it opposes any proposed increases to South Africa’s national minimum wage, as it will only worsen the country’s already extremely high unemployment rate. Monday marked the final opportunity for stakeholders to submit their written comments on potential changes to the national minimum wage. The DA’s, Michael Bagraim, says maintaining the current minimum wage level strikes a necessary balance between protecting existing workers and opening the […] todayOctober 1, 2024 15
insert_link Namibia National Housing Enterprise Faces Declining Profitability and Liquidity Challenges The National Housing Enterprise is experiencing continued profitability challenges, with operating losses amounting to N$38.2 million in 2023, following a larger deficit of N$87.7 million in 2022. The Brief reports that the Deputy Minister of Finance and Public Enterprises, Maureen Hinda-Mbuende, highlighted significant liquidity issues affecting the organization's ability to meet short-term obligations. Over the past five years, NHE's gross profit has fluctuated, declining from N$334.7 million in 2019 to […] todayOctober 1, 2024 10
insert_link World Ishiba becomes Japan PM Japan is swearing in a new prime minister today. Shigeru Ishiba is beginning the role after winning the ruling party’s presidential election last week. From Tokyo, Chris Gilbert reports. todayOctober 1, 2024 7
insert_link Namibia Namibia Progressive Party Plans N$30 Billion Loan Strategy to Address National Debt The Namibia Progressive Party has announced its intention to borrow N$30 billion from global lenders to tackle the country's national debt if they secure presidential power. Namib Pulse says, of this amount, N$15 billion will be directed towards reducing part of the N$165.8 billion national debt, while the remaining N$22 billion is earmarked for infrastructure projects aimed at generating revenue to further pay down the debt. Penda Negonga, Co-Founder of […] todayOctober 1, 2024 13
insert_link South Africa South Africa’s Deputy President Outlines Strategic Priorities for Economic Growth and Development During UK Visit South Africa's Deputy president Paul Mashatile says the government of national unity’s strategic priorities are to achieve sustainable economic growth, alleviate poverty, and develop an ethical, capable developmental state. He is currently on a working visit to the UK, which is one of South Africa’s most significant bilateral partners, particularly in trade, investment, tourism, and the Just Energy Transition. Speaking to Bloomberg, Mashatile says the government of national unity is […] todayOctober 1, 2024 21
insert_link World Indian administered Jammu and Kashmir votes in the final phase of the regional election Indian administered Jammu and Kashmir is voting in the third and final phase of its first regional election in ten years. Some 40 constituencies are voting - many from the Hindu majority regions where Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party is expected to perform well. Here's our Ishan Garg with more from New Delhi. todayOctober 1, 2024 15
insert_link Namibia Namibia Faces N$5 Billion Annual Loss Due to Inefficient Road Transport Namibia stands to lose N$5 billion annually as a result of high road transport costs caused by inefficiencies and poor infrastructure, according to World Bank Senior Transport Specialist Justin Runji as per The Brief. Runji highlighted that these losses are largely due to increased expenses in fuel, maintenance, repairs, tires, insurance, and reduced productivity. Speaking at the Road Sector Policy Conference, he emphasized the urgent need for a transformative agenda […] todayOctober 1, 2024 17
insert_link 2 Namibia City of Windhoek Urges Public to Avoid Street Donations The City of Windhoek is advising the public against giving money to individuals begging on the streets, stating that such acts, although well-intentioned, perpetuate street begging and contribute to a cycle of poverty. Instead, the city encourages donations to registered organizations that can provide sustainable, long-term support to those in need. Independent presidential candidate Rosa Namises shared her perspective on this issue. todayOctober 1, 2024 19 2
insert_link South Africa EFF in Gauteng says it is concerned about the Emfuleni Municipality’s failure to pay municipal workers The EFF in Gauteng says it is concerned about the Emfuleni Municipality's failure to pay municipal workers their salaries this month, due to its dire financial state. This comes as Eskom recently attached the municipality’s four bank accounts due to an outstanding electricity debt of eight-billion-rand. The EFF’s, Baleni Dumisani, says at the core of the municipality's issues is a deeply entrenched culture of corruption among municipal officials and ANC […] todayOctober 1, 2024 6