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.
South Africa
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.
South Africa Aims to Boost Tourism as The Growing Sector Contributes Significantly to the African Economy
South Africa Tourism Minister Derek Hanekom said in the Meeting Africa 2016 forum that the boost in tourism could benefit the local economy. Tourism has been increasing phenomenally in recent years as the government aims to invest more in the sector.
Africa's largest trading block to get more funds
Africa's largest trading block is attracting attention of global investors and businessmen. The recent 'Africa 2016' investment forum held in Egypt had participation of over 1,500 businessmen and government representatives. Foreign investors have called for more reforms and policy changes among African nations.
Latest News
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.
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.
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.
Amplats revealed a shocking 86% loss in its 2015 earnings report. The world's largest metal producer is facing a grim situation of reduced capital expenditure, mine closure, employment cutbacks, and shelving of projects.
Vodacom Group Ltd has recorded 8.7 percent growth in third quarter revenues. The South Africa-based mobile phone company is focusing on subscribers and high-speed network expansion. Vodafone is expanding internet services and strengthening its network amid rising domestic competition.
South African Reserve Bank (SARB) has announced increasing key interest rates by fifty basis points to 6.75% on Thursday. It has also slashed down growth forecast to 0.9%. SARB has increased the interest rates for the second time with an interval of weeks. However, the rate hike will influence the Banks’ expenses and banking industry may witness job cutting as cost minimization effort.
Anglo American's copper production and from retained operations rose 23 percent for the fourth quarter of 2015. The overall copper equivalent basis production for 2015 rose five percent when compared with 2014. Majority of metals including copper, coal, nickel and iron ore tumbled during the second half of 2015. The copper inventory of Anglo American was at 197,631 tons as on 2015.
South African retail bank said the country's house price will decline in this year. Fitch Ratings also remarked South African residential property and mortgage markets outlook to weaken further facing microeconomic challenge.
The debt burden of South African farmers reached to over Rand 125 billion ($7.5 billion). The total debt of farmers was up 14 percent in 2015 to Rand117 billion. Economists alert that the prevailing slump in commodities markets, tighter monetary, fiscal policy, drought conditions and drop in value of Rand will trigger higher than expected inflation rate.
