The Economy
JOBS
Science and technology key enabler for jobs
Tue, 31 Aug 2010
Science and technology is a key enabler in government’s efforts in expanding employment opportunities in South Africa, says Minister Naledi Pandor.
...more
INTERNATIONAL TRADE
Zuma returns from successful China visit
Mon, 30 Aug 2010
President Jacob Zuma has returned from a successful three-day state visit to China - strengthening political, economic and trade relations with the Peoples Republic.
...more
Zuma foresees bright future for Africa-China
Wed, 25 Aug 2010
“We are still at an early stage of what will be an exciting journey, a journey out of poverty, a journey to sustainable improvements in the lives of our people, here in China, and on the African continent,” - President Zuma in speech at Beijing's Renmin University. For access to full report
...more
GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT
GDP increase 3.2% in second quarter
Wed, 25 Aug 2010
South Africa’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) increased by 3.2 percent in the second quarter of 2010, according to Statistics South Africa (Stats SA). This was slower than the first quarter when growth was recorded at 4.6 percent.
...more
SERVICE DELIVERY
Education weapon to fight inter-generational poverty
Sat, 21 Aug 2010
Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe accompanied by Premier Helen Zille, has concluded a two day visit to Bitou municipality. The meeting agreed that all spheres of government will work together to promote service delivery, good governance, and to fight poverty. Education and housing will be prioritised, and national and provincial leadership will return to assess progress. For the full list of commitments
...more
DOMESTIC & FOREIGN INVESTMENT
Gordhan - SA needs to create favourable investment environment
Fri, 20 Aug 2010
Although South Africa’s economy is well into a modest recovery it must create an environment that is favourable to domestic and foreign investment, says Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan.
...more
REGIONAL TRADE
SADC pushes towards Customs Union
Thu, 19 Aug 2010
The 30th Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) closed on 17 August 2010 with an affirmation to consolidate timelines for the establishment of the Free Trade Area (FTA) and speeding up preparations towards a Customs Union.
...more
REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT
South Africa ready to partner with Lesotho
Sat, 14 Aug 2010
President Zuma has committed South Africa to helping Lesotho graduate from its least developed country status to that of a developing country.
...more
REGIONAL CO-OPERATION
President Zuma on two-day visit to Lesotho
Thu, 12 Aug 2010
President Jacob Zuma has touched down in Lesotho for a two-day visit which will look into how South Africa can further assist the kingdom overcome its socio-economic challenges. The economies of South Africa and Lesotho are interdependent with Lesotho providing a strategic resource to South Africa in the form of labour and skills.
...more
INTERNATIONAL TRADE
Zuma - Russian visit will grow trade relations
Fri, 06 Aug 2010
Visiting Russia with more than 100 business people and at least 11 Cabinet ministers, President Zuma is encouraged by the growth in overall trade between the two countries. For details
...more
BUSINESS CONFIDENCE INDEX
Business Confidence improves from recession
Fri, 06 Aug 2010
South Africa’s Business Confidence Index (BCI) in July recorded the second highest reading this year at 84.3 points, reported by the South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SACCI). For details
...more
INTERNATIONAL TRADE
Zuma seeks stronger ties with Russia
Thu, 05 Aug 2010
President Jacob Zuma is on a three-day visit to the Russian capital, Moscow, as part of his plan to push new trade and investment routes to the fast-growing emerging economies who are also members of the BRIC.
...more
INTERNATIONAL TRADE
Dti to lead business delegation to China
Wed, 04 Aug 2010
Trade and Industry Deputy Minister Maria Ntuli is to lead a 35-member business delegation to the World Expo 2010 in China. Ntuli will address a business seminar where presentations on trade and investment opportunities available in both countries will feature.
...more
ALTERNATIVE ENERGY
Government partners with private sector to produce fuel cells
Mon, 02 Aug 2010
The Department of Science and Technology has partnered with Anglo Platinum and Altergy Systems to establish a new company that will distribute its products and manufacture fuel cells for the sub-Saharan African market. The objective is to enable South Africa to extract more value from beneficiation of its natural resources, in this case, the abundant Platinum Group Metal (PGM) resources, and the goal is to supply 25 percent of the world catalyst demand by 2020.
...more
STEEL PRODUCTION
Trade and Industry sets up task team into steel prices
Mon, 02 Aug 2010
The Department of Trade and Industry (dti) has announced that in response to concerns about the high price of steel in the South African economy, a task team has been set up to make recommendations into the viability of local steel production.
...more
ECONOMIC GROWTH
2010 growth forecast adjusted downwards
Tue, 27 Jul 2010
In its economic prospects statement, the Bureau for Economic Research (BER) estimates South Africa’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) will be adjusted downwards from 3.4 percent in April to 3.1 percent for 2010.
...more
AFRICAN UNION SUMMIT
Africa seeks greater role in international affairs
Tue, 27 Jul 2010
AFRICAN UNION
Leaders converge in Kampala for AU Summit
Sun, 25 Jul 2010
SOCIAL SECURITY
SASSA looks at cutting costs
Sat, 24 Jul 2010
The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has developed a turnaround strategy to eliminate wasteful expenditure. This follows a presentation by Treasury to Parliament's standing committee on public accounts (Scopa), indicating that around R1 billion was being overspent.
...more
ENERGY
President Zuma urges customers to save electricity
Tue, 20 Jul 2010
President Jacob Zuma has called on South Africans to save energy: “As we continue to look for other alternatives to save energy, let me remind all that we must continue to save electricity. We must switch off our appliances when they are not in use. Let us share this responsibility as citizens of this country and electricity users."
...more
DEVELOPMENT
African Union summit kicks-off in Uganda
Mon, 19 Jul 2010
The 15th Ordinary Session of the Summit of the African Union (AU) got underway in Kampala, Uganda, on Monday, under the theme: “Maternal, Infant and Child Health and Development in Africa”. As a sideline event, the Government of Uganda hosted an African Youth Forum AYF alongside the 15th AU Summit from 17-19 July under the theme “Maternal, Infant and Child Health: African Youth Call for Action.
...more
CUSTOMS UNION
President Zuma calls for changes in SACU operation
Fri, 16 Jul 2010
President Jacob Zuma opened the first crucial Heads of State and Government Summit of the Southern African Customs Union (Sacu) with a call for a change in the way the union operates. In his opening remarks, Zuma said the union had the potential to advance the economic integration agenda of the region.
...more
INTERNATIONAL TRADE
Nkoana-Mashabane travels to Russia
Tue, 13 Jul 2010
International Relations Minister Maite Nkoana Mashabane will on Tuesday arrive in Russia for her official visit that is expected to further strengthen bilateral, political and economic relations between the two countries.
...more
WORLD CUP LEGACY
World Cup brings in additional income
Mon, 12 Jul 2010
Parastatal Eskom clarifies bonuses
Sat, 10 Jul 2010
Petrol price to drop by 15 to 18 cents
Sat, 10 Jul 2010
SA Brazil Strategic Partnership Agreement includes education and skills development
Sat, 10 Jul 2010
SA and Brazil have also agreed to deepen cooperation in areas such as: trade and industry, science and technology, agriculture and rural development, arts and culture, defence, education and skills development, health, sport and recreation, tourism, water and environmental affairs.
...more
BUSINESS CONFIDENCE
BCI improves to 84.4 in June
Fri, 09 Jul 2010
Bilateral trade, political and economic discussions with Brazilian President
Fri, 09 Jul 2010
Chinese companies urged to invest in SA mining
Thu, 08 Jul 2010
Growth outlook positive but economic recovery fragile and uneven
Wed, 07 Jul 2010
Employment likely to be slow - Marcus
Wed, 07 Jul 2010
JOBS
Science and technology key enabler for jobs
Tue, 31 Aug 2010
Science and technology is a key enabler in government’s efforts in expanding employment opportunities in South Africa, says Minister Naledi Pandor.
...moreZuma returns from successful China visit
Mon, 30 Aug 2010
President Jacob Zuma has returned from a successful three-day state visit to China - strengthening political, economic and trade relations with the Peoples Republic.
...moreHarvard University research
A team of researchers from Harvard University, and other leading US educational institutions, is working with the SA National Treasury to support the Asgisa programme.
The group is researching the constraints facing the South African economy and the opportunities for accelerated growth. View the Harvard research
A team of researchers from Harvard University, and other leading US educational institutions, is working with the SA National Treasury to support the Asgisa programme.
The group is researching the constraints facing the South African economy and the opportunities for accelerated growth. View the Harvard research
The Economy
INTERNATIONAL TRADEZuma foresees bright future for Africa-China
Wed, 25 Aug 2010
“We are still at an early stage of what will be an exciting journey, a journey out of poverty, a journey to sustainable improvements in the lives of our people, here in China, and on the African continent,” - President Zuma in speech at Beijing's Renmin University. For access to full report
...moreGDP increase 3.2% in second quarter
Wed, 25 Aug 2010
South Africa’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) increased by 3.2 percent in the second quarter of 2010, according to Statistics South Africa (Stats SA). This was slower than the first quarter when growth was recorded at 4.6 percent.
...moreEducation weapon to fight inter-generational poverty
Sat, 21 Aug 2010
Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe accompanied by Premier Helen Zille, has concluded a two day visit to Bitou municipality. The meeting agreed that all spheres of government will work together to promote service delivery, good governance, and to fight poverty. Education and housing will be prioritised, and national and provincial leadership will return to assess progress. For the full list of commitments
...moreGordhan - SA needs to create favourable investment environment
Fri, 20 Aug 2010
Although South Africa’s economy is well into a modest recovery it must create an environment that is favourable to domestic and foreign investment, says Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan.
...moreSADC pushes towards Customs Union
Thu, 19 Aug 2010
The 30th Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) closed on 17 August 2010 with an affirmation to consolidate timelines for the establishment of the Free Trade Area (FTA) and speeding up preparations towards a Customs Union.
...moreSouth Africa ready to partner with Lesotho
Sat, 14 Aug 2010
President Zuma has committed South Africa to helping Lesotho graduate from its least developed country status to that of a developing country.
...morePresident Zuma on two-day visit to Lesotho
Thu, 12 Aug 2010
President Jacob Zuma has touched down in Lesotho for a two-day visit which will look into how South Africa can further assist the kingdom overcome its socio-economic challenges. The economies of South Africa and Lesotho are interdependent with Lesotho providing a strategic resource to South Africa in the form of labour and skills.
...moreZuma - Russian visit will grow trade relations
Fri, 06 Aug 2010
Visiting Russia with more than 100 business people and at least 11 Cabinet ministers, President Zuma is encouraged by the growth in overall trade between the two countries. For details
...moreBusiness Confidence improves from recession
Fri, 06 Aug 2010
South Africa’s Business Confidence Index (BCI) in July recorded the second highest reading this year at 84.3 points, reported by the South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SACCI). For details
...moreZuma seeks stronger ties with Russia
Thu, 05 Aug 2010
President Jacob Zuma is on a three-day visit to the Russian capital, Moscow, as part of his plan to push new trade and investment routes to the fast-growing emerging economies who are also members of the BRIC.
...moreDti to lead business delegation to China
Wed, 04 Aug 2010
Trade and Industry Deputy Minister Maria Ntuli is to lead a 35-member business delegation to the World Expo 2010 in China. Ntuli will address a business seminar where presentations on trade and investment opportunities available in both countries will feature.
...moreGovernment partners with private sector to produce fuel cells
Mon, 02 Aug 2010
The Department of Science and Technology has partnered with Anglo Platinum and Altergy Systems to establish a new company that will distribute its products and manufacture fuel cells for the sub-Saharan African market. The objective is to enable South Africa to extract more value from beneficiation of its natural resources, in this case, the abundant Platinum Group Metal (PGM) resources, and the goal is to supply 25 percent of the world catalyst demand by 2020.
...moreTrade and Industry sets up task team into steel prices
Mon, 02 Aug 2010
The Department of Trade and Industry (dti) has announced that in response to concerns about the high price of steel in the South African economy, a task team has been set up to make recommendations into the viability of local steel production.
...more2010 growth forecast adjusted downwards
Tue, 27 Jul 2010
In its economic prospects statement, the Bureau for Economic Research (BER) estimates South Africa’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) will be adjusted downwards from 3.4 percent in April to 3.1 percent for 2010.
...moreAfrica seeks greater role in international affairs
Tue, 27 Jul 2010
Leaders converge in Kampala for AU Summit
Sun, 25 Jul 2010
SASSA looks at cutting costs
Sat, 24 Jul 2010
The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has developed a turnaround strategy to eliminate wasteful expenditure. This follows a presentation by Treasury to Parliament's standing committee on public accounts (Scopa), indicating that around R1 billion was being overspent.
...morePresident Zuma urges customers to save electricity
Tue, 20 Jul 2010
President Jacob Zuma has called on South Africans to save energy: “As we continue to look for other alternatives to save energy, let me remind all that we must continue to save electricity. We must switch off our appliances when they are not in use. Let us share this responsibility as citizens of this country and electricity users."
...moreAfrican Union summit kicks-off in Uganda
Mon, 19 Jul 2010
The 15th Ordinary Session of the Summit of the African Union (AU) got underway in Kampala, Uganda, on Monday, under the theme: “Maternal, Infant and Child Health and Development in Africa”. As a sideline event, the Government of Uganda hosted an African Youth Forum AYF alongside the 15th AU Summit from 17-19 July under the theme “Maternal, Infant and Child Health: African Youth Call for Action.
...morePresident Zuma calls for changes in SACU operation
Fri, 16 Jul 2010
President Jacob Zuma opened the first crucial Heads of State and Government Summit of the Southern African Customs Union (Sacu) with a call for a change in the way the union operates. In his opening remarks, Zuma said the union had the potential to advance the economic integration agenda of the region.
...moreNkoana-Mashabane travels to Russia
Tue, 13 Jul 2010
International Relations Minister Maite Nkoana Mashabane will on Tuesday arrive in Russia for her official visit that is expected to further strengthen bilateral, political and economic relations between the two countries.
...moreWorld Cup brings in additional income
Mon, 12 Jul 2010
The World Cup has brought additional income earning opportunities boosting job creation, says Consumer Assist.
...more
ESKOMParastatal Eskom clarifies bonuses
Sat, 10 Jul 2010
Reports pertaining to the salary increases of Eskom executives are factually incorrect, says the parastatal.
...more
TRANSPORTPetrol price to drop by 15 to 18 cents
Sat, 10 Jul 2010
South African motorists will be able to breathe a sigh of relief 14 July 2010 -as all grades of petrol will drop by between 15 to 18 cents a litre.
...more
INTERGOVERNMENTAL RELATIONSSA Brazil Strategic Partnership Agreement includes education and skills development
Sat, 10 Jul 2010
SA and Brazil have also agreed to deepen cooperation in areas such as: trade and industry, science and technology, agriculture and rural development, arts and culture, defence, education and skills development, health, sport and recreation, tourism, water and environmental affairs.
...moreBCI improves to 84.4 in June
Fri, 09 Jul 2010
The Business Consumer Index (BCI) rose by 2.8 index points to 84.8 points, in June 2010. According to the South African Business Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Sacci) the BCI bounced back from 82 in May to register 84.8 in June.
...more
INTERNATIONAL TRADEBilateral trade, political and economic discussions with Brazilian President
Fri, 09 Jul 2010
President Jacob Zuma will hold bilateral political, economic and trade discussions with his Brazilian counterpart Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, who is is in the country for a state visit as well as to attend the FIFA World Cup.
...more
INTERNATIONAL TRADEChinese companies urged to invest in SA mining
Thu, 08 Jul 2010
Trade and Industry Minister Rob Davies is calling on Chinese companies to invest in South African mining. Davies was speaking at China-South Africa Business Seminar in Shanghai, where he called on companies to invest in mining beneficiation, capital equipment and metal sectors.
...more
ECONOMYGrowth outlook positive but economic recovery fragile and uneven
Wed, 07 Jul 2010
Recovery from the global financial crisis is fragile and uneven says Reserve Bank governor Gill Marcus.
...more
EMPLOYMENTEmployment likely to be slow - Marcus
Wed, 07 Jul 2010
Better employment prospects are likely to be slow during South Africa’s recovery from the recession, says Reserve Bank governor Gill Marcus.
...more
Previous Articles
JIPSA
Training budgets decline amid financial uncertainty
Mon, 20 Apr 2009
There is a risk that investment in training and HR development will decline in the immediate future. However, the Jipsa annual report stresses the need to keep spending on human resources. When the economy recovers, companies won't be able to find suitably qualified staff unless they train them now.
...moreJipsa has not failed, says Presidency
Thu, 18 Sep 2008
The office of the Deputy President has reiterated that the Joint Initiative for Priority Skills Acquisition (Jipsa) which aims to develop the skills that are most urgently needed in the country has not failed. “Jipsa has been successful, promoting several strong interventions to ensure that the shortage is less severe than it would have been,” the Presidency said.
...more
CALL CENTRESGlobal call centre to service Shell’s customers, improve growth
Wed, 14 May 2008
Deputy President Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka has opened a global call centre that will service customers for the oil multinational, Royal Dutch Shell, and improve economic growth in the country.
...more
THE JOINT INITIATIVE FOR PRIORITY SKILLS ACQUISITIONPartnerships vital for providing SA with skills for economic growth
Fri, 25 Apr 2008
The Joint Initiative for Priority Skills Acquisition (JIPSA) has proved successful in creating partnerships with business, labour and the public sector in mobilising existing skills for economic growth.
...more
BUSINESS UNITY SOUTH AFRICA BUSA to support govt’s antipoverty programmes
Fri, 25 Apr 2008
Business Unity South Africa (BUSA) has reaffirmed its commitment to help governments’ antipoverty programmes to ensure socio-economic goals for 2014 are turned into a reality.
...more
ASGISAEmpowering women vital to war on poverty
Fri, 25 Apr 2008
Appointing herself as a ceremonial “commander in chief” in the fight against poverty, Deputy President Phumzile Mlambo Ngcuka stressed that if we don’t empower women then poverty would persist.
...more
