south africa wealth tax fiscal fairness debate

At a Crossroads: South Africa, Wealth Tax, and the Future of Fiscal Fairness

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South Africa is facing a big debate about whether to tax the superrich more to help fix deep economic gaps and raise money for public services. Some say a wealth tax would make things fairer, while others worry rich people might leave or hide their money, making the tax hard to collect. The government already taxes high earners heavily, but many believe this isn’t enough to close the gap between rich and poor. This debate is about more than money—it’s about building a fair society where everyone shares in the country’s success.

social unrest governance failures

South Africa’s Growing Chorus of Concern: Analyzing the Deepening Crisis

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In South Africa, rising worries about social unrest are echoing loudly from busy cities like Johannesburg and Durban. The main issues fueling this unrest include deep inequality, bad leadership, and high youth unemployment, with many young people feeling hopeless and angry. The failing water services only add to the frustration, leading to protests and unrest that disrupt daily life and business. As citizens and leaders call for change, there’s a powerful hope that South Africa’s resilient spirit can pave the way for a brighter and fairer future.

inequality employment

South Africa’s Economic Paradox: Navigating Inequality and Opportunity

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South Africa’s economy is a mix of bright hopes and deep challenges. With a staggering unemployment rate of 32.9%, many people struggle to find jobs, especially in rural areas where opportunities are scarce. The shadow of apartheid still looms, creating a big gap between the rich and the poor. However, there’s a spark of hope in the country’s vibrant communities and efforts to improve education and healthcare. By working together, South Africa can weave a better future and bridge the divides that hold it back.

schengen visa artists

Artists and Athletes Express Concern Over Schengen Visa Denials

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Artists and athletes from Africa and Asia are unhappy with the high rate of Schengen visa rejections, which they liken to ‘global apartheid.’ They say that it disproportionately affects countries where people struggle to pay the visa fees, making it harder for them to access international opportunities. High fees and rejection rates could lead to a lack of diversity in art and sports, as talented people from certain regions may miss out.

siya kolisi south africa

“RISE – The Siya Kolisi Story”: A Documentary on the Life of the First Black South African Rugby Captain

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“RISE The Siya Kolisi Story” is a documentary that tells the story of Siya Kolisi, the first black captain of South Africa’s national rugby team. Directed by Tebogo Malope, the film portrays Kolisi’s challenging upbringing in South Africa, marked by poverty, systemic racism, and violence, and the role rugby played in his life. The documentary goes beyond sports, highlighting his leadership both on and off the field, which has inspired a nation grappling with historical injustices.

employment labour

Employment and Labour on Basic Income Grant Discussion

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South Africa is facing a crucial decision regarding the R350 Social Relief Grant. The Second BRICS Working Group Meeting, held in Port Alfred, Eastern Cape, discussed the proposal to replace the grant with a Basic Income Grant (BIG). The urgency of implementing social protection measures was highlighted by Dr. Joni Musabayana, Director for Decent Work for Southern and Eastern Africa at the International Labour Organisation (ILO). With the ongoing COVID19 pandemic and the potential for future crises, integrating social protection measures has become vital.

youthstart entrepreneurial challenge Cape Town

Cape Town Launches the #YouthStart Entrepreneurial Challenge

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The City of Cape Town’s Social Development and Early Childhood Development Department has launched the annual #YouthStart Entrepreneurial Challenge. The initiative aims to stimulate small businesses and/or ideas through skills development and innovation, contributing to job creation. ## New Challenge Categories Encourage Innovation

south africa national orders

The 2023 National Orders Ceremony: Honoring Extraordinary Achievements and Selflessness

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On a historic day, South Africa celebrated the 2023 National Orders ceremony, which recognized the contributions of both South African citizens and foreign nationals who dedicated their lives to improving their communities and making the world a better place. President Cyril Ramaphosa presented the awards, emphasizing the significance of the occasion and the recipients’ lasting impact on South Africa’s history.

south africa national freedom day Cape Town

President Cyril Ramaphosa’s Speech on National Freedom Day 2023

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The 2023 National Freedom Day celebrations were marked by a speech from President Cyril Ramaphosa. In his address, he discussed several issues concerning the history of Matlosana, the progress that had been made since the advent of democracy, and the challenges that the country still faced. While acknowledging the progress made over nearly three decades of democracy, he also recognized that there was still much work to be done.

community work programme south african workers Cape Town

Protests by CWP workers highlight plight of thousands of South African workers

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The Community Work Programme (CWP) workers have recently protested outside the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) in Pretoria due to delayed payments for April. This has brought attention to the situation of thousands of South African workers who rely solely on the CWP programme for their livelihoods. According to reports, over 260,800 CWP workers across the country have been affected by payment delays, which typically occur around contract renewal time. The delay is due to the CWP programme’s transition from an implementing agent to the COGTA.

homelessness eviction

A Delay in Eviction Proceedings: The Plight of Homelessness in Cape Town

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A recent development in Cape Town has shed light on the ongoing struggle of vulnerable individuals experiencing homelessness in the City. The City of Cape Town had applied to have a group of homeless individuals evicted from several public sites, including locations in the city center. However, the eviction hearing was delayed after the group, represented by the SocioEconomic Rights Institute of South Africa (SERI), filed a notice of intention to oppose the eviction. While disappointing for the City, the delay has opened up an opportunity for a larger conversation about the root causes of homelessness in Cape Town.