Mpumalanga’s unemployment rate has increased sharply to 36.3% in the first quarter of the year, up from 32.3% in the previous quarter. More than 53,000 jobs were lost in the province between January and March, worsening the economic situation for many households. The expanded unemployment rate, which includes discouraged job seekers, now stands at 49.6%. […]
Discount retailer Boxer says rising geopolitical tensions, particularly the war in the Middle East, could put pressure on future food prices, making increases difficult to avoid. Despite this outlook, the company was the best-performing stock on Monday after reporting strong financial results for the year ended March. Boxer plans to expand by opening more stores, […]
The Gauteng Provincial Treasury, together with the Gauteng Department of Economic Development and the City of Johannesburg, will host an Enterprise and Supplier Development Program in Diepsloot over the next two weeks. The workshops aim to help local businesses better understand procurement processes, compliance requirements and business development opportunities in both the public and private […]
JOHANNESBURG- South African consumers are facing increasing financial pressure, according to the latest Household Affordability Index. Rising fuel and food prices are continuing to stretch household budgets, with transport costs climbing due to higher global oil prices. Petrol and diesel prices are expected to rise further, which could push living costs even higher. Although government […]
The South African government has extended its temporary fuel levy relief to help ease pressure from rising fuel prices caused by ongoing global oil market tensions linked to the Middle East conflict. The initial R3 per litre fuel levy cut introduced in April 2026 will now continue into June, offering continued support to households and […]
SOUTH AFRICA- As South Africa marks Freedom Day, concerns about financial freedom remain widespread, with many citizens saying it still feels out of reach due to high unemployment and rising levels of debt. Economic pressure continues to weigh heavily on households, leaving many struggling to stay financially afloat. Experts warn that over-indebtedness is becoming a […]
BEIJING- Ding Shizhong, a high school dropout, arrived in Beijing in the late 1980s with 600 pairs of shoes made in a relative’s factory. He sold them, used the profits to start a small workshop, and gradually built a footwear business during China’s early wave of private entrepreneurship. That small start grew into Anta, now […]
STRAIT OF HORMUZ- Oil prices surged more than 5% on Monday as renewed tensions between the United States and Iran raised fears that a fragile ceasefire could collapse. The market reacted after the US seized an Iranian cargo ship and reports emerged of continued disruptions to traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a key global […]
JOHANNESBURG – South African motorists could receive some relief as government continues talks aimed at easing rising fuel prices. The Mineral and Petroleum Resources Department says discussions are still underway on possible measures to reduce fuel price pressures. This comes as mid-month data from the Central Energy Fund points to potential increases of up to […]
The National Local Economic Development Summit 2026 has brought together government, business leaders, development agencies, entrepreneurs, cooperatives, and civil society in South Africa. The main focus of the summit is to strengthen public-private partnerships and improve coordination among key sectors involved in local economic development. The gathering aims to unlock economic opportunities in townships, informal […]