IEC budget jumps to R3bn for 2026 Local Polls
The 2026 Local Government Elections will cost the taxpayer just over R3 billion, boosted by a special appropriation of about R1 billion.The extra allocation will cover voter registration, logistics and operational costs as the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) scales up to deliver the polls. Budget allocations to the IEC traditionally surge in election years, reflecting…
South Africa eyes new markets as US ends AGOA benefits, Minister says jobs safe
The South African government is fast-tracking export diversification to protect jobs after the United States moved to terminate South Africa’s participation in the AGOA trade preference programme. Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Parks Tau said government recognises the concerns the decision may cause for business, but assured industry that alternative markets are being secured. Tau…
US announces intention to suspend South Africa, Rwanda from AGOA
The United States has announced its intention to suspend South Africa and Rwanda from duty-free access to the US market under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). United States Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said on Monday that Washington intends to suspend both countries from the programme.AGOA gives eligible African countries duty-free access to the…
AGOA decision looms as SA holds ground with US trade surplus
South Africa maintains a trade surplus with the United States — a position that is not unique but is unusual for a developing country. The benefits the country enjoys under the US African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) are particularly significant for the agricultural sector, including processed fruit, nuts, wine and other commodities. Agricultural economist…
SA economy 4.9% bigger than previously estimated after GDP rebasing
The latest Gross Domestic Product (GDP) rebasing exercise by Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) has found that the country’s economy is 4.9% larger than previously estimated. The benchmarking and rebasing exercise lifted the measured size of the economy in 2022 to R6.99 trillion.Stats SA says the new benchmarking methodology prioritises reclassified industries and the non-observed…
NSFAS Receives Over 1 Million Applications For 2027 Funding
The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has received more than one million applications for the 2027 funding cycle.The application period closes on 31 October 2026, with NSFAS confirming that there will be no extensions. The scheme has urged prospective applicants to submit their applications before the deadline to avoid last-minute challenges and ensure they…
SARS raids Tshwane Headquarters, seizes devices from CFO Gareth Mnisi
South African Revenue Service (SARS) officials raided the City of Tshwane headquarters on Thursday morning, armed with a search warrant for chief financial officer Gareth Mnisi. The operation targeted Mnisi’s office. This publication understands that officials seized electronic devices, including a laptop and cellphones.Mnisi was implicated at the Madlanga Commission in allegations of tender-rigging and…
Pick n Pay Narrows Loss As Turnaround Gains Traction
Grocery retailer Pick n Pay reported a narrower headline loss in the first half on Monday on higher margins and tighter cost control, boosting confidence that CEO Sean Summers’ turnaround plan is beginning to deliver results. The country’s number two grocer by turnover is seeking to restore profitability and regain shoppers after years of market-share…
Employers Urged To Remove Barriers For Entry-Level Job Seekers
Finding a job can still come at a cost, from printing CVs to travelling to interviews, and employers are being urged to rethink how they hire. JOBJACK co-founder Heine Bellingan said simple changes could make hiring easier, especially for entry-level positions. Bellingan said the first step is moving away from paper CVs. “There’s lots of…
SARB Vows To Tame Inflation To Protect The Poor
The South African Reserve Bank (SARB) says it is working to keep inflation under control as external factors continue to push up the cost of living. The Bank brought the Monetary Policy conversation to Bloemfontein, where it engaged with public and private sector stakeholders on the state of the economy and how its decisions affect…
