insert_link South Africa TLU SA Seeks Clarity on Medium Term Budget’s Impact on Agriculture The South African agricultural organisation TLU SA says it wants clarity on whether the plans announced in the Medium Term Budget Policy Statement will genuinely meet the real needs of the economy and agriculture. TLU SA’s, Bennie van Zyl, says the focus of the government of national unity on inclusive growth and job creation is valuable, but the concern is that real challenges, such as corruption and mismanagement, are […] todayOctober 31, 2024 24
insert_link Business / Economics 31 October 2024: Navigating Economic Shifts: Key Financial Updates from Namibia and Beyond In recent developments, Finance Minister, Ipumbu Shiimi, has announced an extension of the country’s tax amnesty programme, now set to conclude on October 31, 2026. During his mid-term budget review presented in Parliament, Shiimi highlighted the overwhelming requests from various sectors to prolong this programme, which allows taxpayers to settle their full tax debts without incurring penalties or interest. This initiative is designed to enhance tax compliance and boost government […] todayOctober 31, 2024 17
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 16
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 23
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 22
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 23
insert_link Africa SA Works Minister says government needs to reform expanded public works programme South Africa’s Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson says the government needs to reform the Expanded Public Works Programme to ensure recipients are better paid through permanent jobs. todayOctober 29, 2024 8
insert_link South Africa S.A Unions Back One Another in Labour Court Battle Over Community Healthcare Workers South African Union, Cosatu, says it is fully behind its affiliate NEHAWU, as it heads to the Labour Court today in defence of Community Healthcare Workers. Cosatu’s spokesperson, Zanele Sabela says the union seeks to review the arbitration award that ruled against its application to compel the Department of Health to appoint Community Healthcare Workers permanently. She says NEHAWU’s case is justified: todayOctober 29, 2024 46
insert_link 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: todayOctober 29, 2024 21