News

[Letter] NHI undermines security and predictability

Health minister Joe Phaahla recently told South Africans, “medical aid schemes are still there. So keep your medical aid. Everything will be transparent. Please, don’t throw away your medical aid schemes and stop your debit order.”

[Letter] Tempting fate with NHI fund powers

The National Health Insurance (NHI) Act provides for the following (among others): “The [NHI] Fund must determine payment rates annually for healthcare service providers, health establishments and suppliers in the prescribed manner and in accordance with the provisions of this act,” and, “account to the minister on the performance of its functions and the exercise of its powers.”

The rise of the non-voter

In this newsletter from the Centre for Risk Analysis, we discuss voter turnout in light of the national and provincial elections later this month.

[Letter] Coalition could be helpful

Deputy finance minister David Masondo underestimates the momentum that a coalition — even if it proves to be unstable — could afford President Cyril Ramaphosa’s “reform agenda”.

[Letter] Uncomfortable truths in BHP merger proposal

If the deal goes ahead Anglo American will have to split off its SA platinum and iron ore units.

[Opinion] The pernicious effects of administered prices

Administered prices can have dire consequences when charged by dysfunctional state-owned entities, warns Chris Hattingh.

[Opinion] Privatisation at Transnet ports hits first snag on road to creating efficiency

Chris Hattingh discusses latest Port of Durban developments with Business Times.

[Opinion] Shrinking Family Units in South Africa

In South Africa, families have undergone a significant transformation over the past few decades. One noticeable change is the size of families.

[Letter] Reserve Bank has its hands tied

Is enough being done to rein in administered prices and excess costs caused by infrastructure failures?

[Opinion] Transnet on the move!

Can Transnet be fixed? This won’t happen overnight, but CHRIS HATTINGH reveals that some positive steps are finally being taken.

[Letter] Master plans drive up costs

Trade, industry & competition minister Ebrahim Patel has highlighted the negative consequences of inefficient rail and ports systems, especially for new and emerging businesses (“Patel bemoans failed SOEs hobbling black industrialists”, March 18).

[Opinion] Quality over quantity

Will the declining average levels of basic service delivery influence voter behaviour in the 2024 National and Provincial elections?

[Opinion] Maize Meal Porridge Index shows effect of food inflation on low-income households

This new index shows how low-income consumers battle to afford nutritious food for their families as food price inflation soars.

[Opinion] Talking a big game

President Cyril Ramaphosa has been big on promises, but will he follow through on these promises with any real action? Chris Hattingh has his doubts.

[Opinion] ANC manifesto vague and Nixonian with little hope of creating a better life for all

When we examine public opportunities to make grand, sweeping statements (such as State of the Nation Addresses and, in an election year, party manifestos) versus most citizens' everyday reality of life on the ground, we can better understand whether, if implemented, ideas and policies contained in said manifestos will produce better or worse outcomes, writes the author.

[Opinion] Exploring SA’s median-age dynamics

As South Africa navigates its complex socio-economic landscape, one of the most telling indicators of demographic shifts is the median age.

[Letter] SA citizens have low quality of life

Challenges facing consumers a reflection of the state of governance in SA.

[Letter] IMF revision on growth is no surprise

SA must urgently deal with problems hurting the economy.

[Letter] Bailout risks papering over Transnet failures

The longer SA focuses on short-term ‘fixes’ its trade potential will be hobbled

[Letter] Lax biosecurity a threat to agriculture

No or limited government funding is available to implement control measures.

[Video] WEF 2024 | Team SA hopes to lure back investors

As the World Economic Forum begins at Davos this morning, Team South Africa has a lot on its plate, trying to sell the country to investors.

[Opinion] Planning for success by getting our ports up and running

Through all of this, the crucial lesson for SA to realise and implement is getting its ports back to an adequate level of operation, such that the country can place itself in a position to take advantage of times when global trade patterns shift due to unforeseen events and conflicts.