Deputy President of South Africa, Shipokosa Paulus Mashatile, delivered a powerful speech at the African United Business Confederation event, emphasizing the importance of responsible leadership and collaboration in driving economic growth. Mashatile highlighted the need for inclusivity, eradicating corruption, prioritizing energy supply and infrastructure development, and addressing skills shortages to prepare future generations of leaders. He urged leaders to endorse policies that uplift marginalized communities and create opportunities for all individuals to engage in the economy, and concluded by emphasizing the collective responsibility to pave the way for a brighter future for all.
South Africa’s journey towards development is intertwined with democracy, as evidenced by foundational documents like the Freedom Charter, Reconstruction and Development Programme, and the Constitution. The National Development Plan empowers South Africans with a vision of a more inclusive economy, a stronger state, and a society underpinned by leadership and partnerships. While there has been progress over the last three decades, major challenges remain, particularly in youth unemployment. Engaging with the youth and creating a supportive environment that empowers and uplifts them is critical for the country’s future.
The Eastern Cape province in South Africa has launched a groundbreaking strategy for the commercialization of cannabis, aimed at diversifying the economy and creating employment opportunities. The strategy involves controlling the entire production cycle from planting to packaging, and has already helped over 120 cannabis farmers obtain hemp permits. The investment in infrastructure is intended to benefit the province’s youth and women, with the aim of promoting inclusive growth.
The Eastern Cape province in South Africa is investing heavily in the cannabis industry, with a commitment of over R100 million and a target of R1 billion over five years. The investment is estimated to directly employ about 90 individuals and could potentially generate around 3,000 job opportunities in the 2024 growing season with a target of 10,000 hectares over five years leading to the creation of approximately 30,000 jobs and offering a substantial boost to the province’s economy. The province’s commitment to the initiative is evident, and collaborations with key players aim to craft a sector innovation program that bolsters the global standing of the province.
South Africa’s upcoming elections offer the promise of strengthening democratic principles and paving the way for a fairer basic education system. The country has made significant progress in achieving nearuniversal access to education for 7 to 15yearolds, and initiatives like the National Student Financial Aid Scheme and a focus on entrepreneurial skills further support education beyond the confines of schools. The North West Basic Education Lekgotla exemplifies the transformative power of unity and teamwork in enhancing the quality of basic education across the province, with a focus on infrastructure development and promoting STEM education.
Virgin Active Gym has implemented an inclusive policy that allows transgender individuals to use bathrooms corresponding with their legally recognized gender. This policy emphasizes the importance of inclusivity and respect for individual identities, but has also sparked debate around privacy and safety concerns on social media. Virgin Active has reaffirmed their support for individuals who have completed their transition process and addressed safety concerns, highlighting the corporate challenge of balancing inclusivity and safety while promoting a broader societal dialogue on gender identity and inclusivity.
The City of Cape Town plans to invest over R4bn in upgrading and maintaining its electricity grid over the next three years, moving towards a decentralized energy future and allowing for smallscale, independent power producers. This investment aims to terminate loadshedding and stimulate economic growth, with the Building for Jobs budget reinvesting revenue from electricity sales. Residents can provide suggestions via email, telephone, or through their Ward Councillor/Subcouncil offices to participate in shaping this future.
The gig economy in South Africa is booming, with an estimated 4 million gig workers in the country. This flexible work arrangement covers a wide range of professionals and offers a lucrative platform for businesses targeting freelancers. Financial management for gig workers can be complex, but startups like Craft are providing solutions to make transactions smoother and facilitate financial management. The gig economy is set to reshape the idea of work in the upcoming years and is a major component of South Africa’s employment scene.
Louis Liebenberg, the owner of diamond company Tariomix, has faced allegations of operating a Ponzi scheme, enticing investors with offers of diamond parcels that resulted in major losses. Tariomix has accumulated around R4 billion from investors and creditors and now faces liquidation. Liebenberg recently launched a political party called Herbou, campaigning for economic reform and the transfer of mineral wealth to citizens. Despite the turmoil, Cape Town continues to thrive, offering attractive deals on cars under R100 000 to locals and tourists.
South Africa’s VIP bluelight brigades, used to escort top officials, have led to safety risks on the roads and an average monthly fuel bill exceeding R580,000. The South African Police Service’s VIP Protection Unit shoulders a significant portion of this cost. Taxpayers have expressed outrage at the imbalance in resource allocation, with R2.18 billion designated for VIP protection, closely following the R2.4 billion set aside for the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigations, or The Hawks, leading to questions about the appropriate use of taxpayer funds.
The Port of Cape Town has announced that it will welcome private sector partnerships to address the inefficiencies that have plagued the port for some time. This move is expected to generate a significant R6 billion in exports, create around 20,000 jobs and yield over R1.6 billion in additional taxes over five years. The initiative has been championed by Alderman James Vos, who has called for a strategic transition towards private sector involvement. However, caution and due diligence are advised when scrutinising bidders to avoid potential risks.
The launch of CODI is a significant milestone for South Africa’s financial security. It provides a safeguard for consumers by protecting their deposits up to R100,000 in case of a bank’s failure. South Africa’s measured approach towards financial sector reforms, including the establishment of the Financial Sector Conduct Authority and the Prudential Authority, enhances consumer and investor confidence globally. A proactive regulatory framework and structural reforms, like CODI, rebuild public trust in financial regulation and signify South Africa’s dedication to economic stability.
President Cyril Ramaphosa envisions a South Africa that is inclusive, diverse, and provides equal opportunities to all, including in the transportation sector. The Presidential Working Group on Disability is committed to ensuring that every policy, programme, and practice is inclusive. The National Land Transport Act and revised White Paper on National Transport policy have strategies to increase universal accessibility, but there are still issues of safety and accessibility. The goal is a universally accessible national transport system that champions the rights and dignity of all South Africans.
Emazulwini Restaurant in Cape Town has achieved global recognition for its delicious flavors, warmhearted service, and lively personality. The restaurant prioritizes locallysourced and sustainable ingredients, making it stand out in the food industry. Chef Mmabatho Molefe, the creative mind behind Emazulwini, has had an impressive journey in the gastronomic world, recognized as one of the World’s 50 Next Hospitality Pioneers for her innovation in Zuluinspired cuisine. Although the restaurant has closed its doors, there are hints of a potential comeback, and its recognition highlights the impact of local, sustainable, and personalityrich culinary establishments worldwide.
The City’s Urban Waste Management Directorate has unveiled its budget plan for 2024/25, which prioritizes the improvement of sanitation and waste collection services, waste reduction capacity, and compliance with safety regulations. The budget includes significant allocations for refurbishing facilities, smallscale enhancements, and capital expenditure, funding a range of innovative projects and sustainable practices. The Directorate encourages public participation and feedback on the proposed initiatives, which will shape a more ecofriendly and efficient future for the City.
The Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) is a government initiative in South Africa that aims to create job opportunities for those who cannot enter the formal economy. Over the past 20 years, it has created more than 14 million job opportunities across different sectors, from early childhood development to community crime deterrence. The EPWP has transformed lives and communities, instigating positive change across the nation, and its success has even extended beyond South Africa’s borders. As the EPWP enters into its next phase, the government is committed to enhancing the quality of service delivery, boosting youth involvement, and fortifying skills development.