Media

[Opinion] The Transnet imperative

Of all the vertically and horizontally integrated freight and ports companies that have existed in the world, Transnet is the last remaining of its kind. While there have been talks and nominal moves towards breaking up at least parts of Transnet’s various operations and introducing private sector investment and competition, these have not yet been made a reality.

[Opinion] Not in SA’s favour to pull up the drawbridge

Should US president-elect Donald Trump’s new administration succeed in implementing a raft of higher tariffs on imports, and generally place the US on a more protectionist trade and economic footing, developing economies such as SA will need to weather higher prices, more restricted and hobbled global trade flows, and the effects of a stronger dollar.

[Opinion] Why Kganyago’s stingy rate cut was exactly right

The Reserve Bank barely moved last week, cutting interest rates by just 25 basis points. Analysts have rounded on governor Lesetja Kganyago for being too coy – but it was exactly the tonic.

[Audio] SWAPO faces it's toughest test as Namibia heads for crucial elections

Voters in Namibia will go to the polls on WEDNESDAY (27 November) to choose their next president and parliamentary representatives. The elections come after President Hage Geingob died in February and was replaced on a interim basis by his deputy, Nangolo Mbumba. The election could mark a historic shift in the country's political landscape if the ruling SWAPO party, in power since independence in 1990, loses control of the presidency or parliament for the first time. The president is directly elected by voters and needs to garner more than 50% of votes to win. Support for SWAPO dropped from 87% in the presidential election in 2014 to 56% in 2019.To look at these crucial elections Bongiwe Zwane spoke to Carika Middelberg, an analyst from the Centre for Risk Analysis

[Letter] GNU central to ANC leadership

The ANC will hold its next leadership conference in 2027, when delegates will deliberate on who to elect to the top positions and the party’s national executive committee (NEC).

[Opinion] Transnet is the economy’s binding constraint

Despite improved electricity stability post-elections in 2024, CHRIS HATTINGH says South Africa’s economic growth remains constrained by inefficient Transnet-run ports and rail infrastructure needing urgent reform.

[Opinion] What the 2024 MTBPS reveals about the GNU’s fiscal trajectory

The recently presented 2024 Medium Term Budget Policy Statement (MTBPS) by Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana paints a sobering picture of South Africa’s fiscal outlook.

[Opinion] SA not (yet) playing its G20 hand well

When South Africa assumes the presidency of the G20 on 1 December, it gains a position that will afford the country, and the Government of National Unity (GNU), numerous economic, investment, trade, diplomatic, and strategic opportunities.