The new budget for South Africa may witness a major focus on government spending, sluggish global economy and inflation. The debt component is also increasing to about 50 percent of GDP. Global rating agencies have downgraded South Africa's sovereign credit rating.
Africa
22 Years After the Apartheid in South Africa: White Squatter Camp
White people were once ruling and oppressive class in South Africa, As government wipe out the apartheid, unskilled white people are ousted and have to live in slums. There are more than 400,000 white people live in poverty.
Eskom to Receive Last Payment of 5 Billion Rand Bailout By Next Week
Next week, Eskom will be paid the remaining balance from the bailout. Eskom CE Brian Molefe expressed frustration to learn that Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan announced that the funds will be withheld. Treasury informed that the fund will be transferred and is already being processed.
South Africa Unemployment Rate Declines to 24.5% in Q4
South Africa's unemployment rate drops to 24.5% in the fourth quarter due to increased employment in the finance industry which offsets job losses in agriculture and construction sector. But with the major sectors laying off jobs, and the cost cutting of the government will sure make the unemployment rate will rise again.
Jacob Zuma fails to fulfill economic promise to South Africa
President Jacob Zuma is at the center of criticism over lack of infrastructure facilities to attract foreign capital and global companies. All quarters of the society are calling for government's commitment to restore business confidence on South Africa.
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Global economic crisis has affected value of South African currency immensely. Amid such economic hardships, Gauteng province has recorded growth above the national average and 35% contribution towards national economy. Gauteng province premier, David Makhura has revealed the information while delivering his State of The Province Address.
This year’s African economic summit was ended with calls to boost trade and investment on the continent. The conference aims to strengthen Africa’s place in the world economy through investment and to establish Egypt as a gateway for foreign investments.
Eskom, a South African state owned power producer has attracted a probe over its deals for developing new power plants. Country’s finance minister has ordered the probe and cancelled post budget breakfast briefing scheduled to be broadcast by New Age newspaper. The move has been analyzed as a revolt within the government against Gupta family, intimate with President Jacob Zuma.
Investment inflows into oil and gas projects are dropping significantly. The investments in oil projects in 2016 is forecast to fall below £1 billion from the five-year annual average of £8 billion.
A gamut of factors are affecting the South African economy as dwindling inflows of money, weaker currency, rising unemployment rate and severe drought conditions are at their worst in 25 years. South Africa's GDP growth rate is projected to slowdown further in 2016.
Heads and ministers of some African countries, representatives from business groups and other dignitaries will meet in Africa 2016. Egyptian government has organized the summit scheduled to be held on February 20-21. During the summit, the participant leaders will discuss ways to remove hurdles in Businesses and establishing a free trade zone in Africa.
Anglo American Plc suffered a pre-tax loss of $5.5 billion (£3.8bln) for 2015 year. The 2015 loss was more than twice the loss incurred in 2014. As part of its future strategy, Anglo American is planning to shift its focus to copper, platinum and diamonds.
Starbucks have brewed some new additions to its mouth-watering menu. The company introduces the Smoked Butterscotch Latte together with the Teavana Citrus Green Latte, whether hot or cold and other versions of Frappuccino. This latest addition is available in U.S. and Canada only.
One of the world's biggest mining company Anglo American Plc announced to sell its share in Kumba Iron Ore on Tuesday. The South African multinational company has suffered loss in its full-year performance.
