The recent one-year extension of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) has been hailed as a critical circuit-breaker, restoring essential trust and forward momentum to the commercial relationship between South Africa and the United States. According to Neil Diamond, President of the South African Chamber of Commerce in the United States (SACCUSA), the move…
In a move poised to directly impact the livelihoods of millions of low-income workers, the South African government has gazetted a 5% increase in the National Minimum Wage (NMW), raising it to R30.23 per hour, effective 1 March 2026. The adjustment, announced by Employment and Labour Minister, Nxesi, underscores a deliberate effort to bolster household incomes in…
Good news awaits motorists as fuel prices will drop on Wednesday. The Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources has confirmed reductions across several fuel types, largely due to a stronger rand. Petrol prices for both grades will decrease by 65 cents per litre. Diesel will fall by between 50 and 57 cents per litre, while…
The South African Reserve Bank’s (SARB) Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) has opted for caution in its first policy decision of the year, announcing on Thursday that it will keep the benchmark repo rate unchanged at 6.75%. The decision, reached via a split vote, maintains the commercial prime lending rate at 10.25% and underscores the central bank’s delicate navigation…
In a resounding vote of confidence for the nation’s tourism sector, South Africa shattered its previous records by welcoming 10.48 million international visitors in 2025, marking a landmark year for the Rainbow Nation. The figure represents a robust 17.6% increase over 2024 arrivals, a growth rate that significantly outpaced the global tourism average and signals a powerful post-pandemic…
Against a backdrop of persistent economic headwinds, South African fashion retailer Truworths has unveiled a set of half-year results that serve as a microcosm of the nation’s strained consumer landscape. For the 26 weeks ending December 28, the group reported retail sales holding steady at R12.5 billion—a figure that, while stable, underscores a profound stagnation…
In a move that has sent shockwaves through global financial markets, the spot price of gold has shattered a monumental psychological barrier, breaching $5,000 per ounce for the first time in history. Trading on the London Bullion Market settled at an unprecedented $5,027 per ounce late Monday, a staggering figure that extends a parabolic rally, marking a year-to-date surge…
Johannesburg, South Africa – In a significant boost for the continent’s creative economy, the Soul Candi Institute of Music and Record Label—South Africa’s premier nexus of creative education and industry innovation—has officially launched its new academic cycle, kicking off a sweeping national campaign to recruit the country’s most promising musical talent. This strategic drive, running…
In a bold declaration of growth intent, JSE-listed retail giant Pepkor Holdings has unveiled plans to launch 300 new stores in the coming year, accelerating its footprint across Southern Africa and signalling unwavering confidence in the value-retail sector. This aggressive expansion comes on the back of a year that saw the group add 168 new outlets, pushing…
SKUKUZA, Mpumalanga – The Kruger National Park, South Africa’s crown jewel of conservation and a global tourism icon, lies battered and significantly compromised in the wake of devastating floods that have carved a path of destruction through its vast wilderness. Preliminary assessments indicate damage exceeding a staggering R500 million, with the park’s critical infrastructure – roads, bridges,…
