[Opinion] SA's unemployment crisis - it's a policy problem first and foremost
South Africa is in the grip of an unemployment crisis. The latest unemployment figures from Statistics South Africa show that the official unemployment rate has increased to 29% in 2Q 2019 (a QOQ rise of 1.4% from 27.6% in 1Q 2019).
“The wrestling match over the ANC tiller is now essentially between a hard-left faction and aggressive racial nationalist faction all under the supervision of a captain who cannot break the deadlock or inspire a third way,” the Johannesburg-based Centre for Risk Analysis said in a report it gives to clients. Ramaphosa “believes, fatally in our view, that maintaining unity among the crew is a priority,” it said.
[Opinion] Brexit scenarios: Events, dear boy, events
CRA Analyst, Hermann Pretorius, shares his thoughts on six scenarios for Brexit under new PM, Boris Johnson. This analysis was adapted from the CRA’s Strategic Intelligence Report which details trends and potential scenarios for the domestic and international political economy. This and other reports are available exclusively to CRA subscribers.
[Opinion] If Ramaphosa wants major growth, he'll need to drive major reforms
South Africa’s low levels of growth and investment are a consequence of an inhibiting policy environment, and it is up to President Cyril Ramaphosa to drive the reforms necessary to remove obstacles to growth, argues CRA COO, David Ansara.
According to the 2019 Socio-Economic Survey published by the Centre for Risk Analysis, a policy research institute, the number of regular houses in SA has increased by a quarter since 1996. The number of people with access to electricity went up by 61%, and access to flushing toilets rose 30%.
[Opinion] The dying of the light
Fixing Eskom requires a better mix of energy sources including nuclear, a lower wage bill, appointing staff on merit and more autonomy for the board.