All Articles

South Africa risks falling behind its BRICS partners unless it moves faster and smarter to open new markets. While China, India and Brazil have pushed hard with bilateral deals, state-backed projects and regional outreach, our country too often waits for perfect consensus or lengthy processes. That caution protects against mistakes, but in a world of fast-moving trade shifts and political realignments it also costs jobs, investment and bargaining power. The recent one-year ex

tuNEWS celebrates its one‑year milestone today — a Year Defined by Bold Reporting, Steady Audience Growth and a Distinctive Editorial Signature that has Put South African and African Stories on a Global Stage... From a deliberate beginning At launch the editorial team made a conscious decision: for the inaugural year, a single editorial voice would craft every story. That choice was strategic — not restrictive — intended to establish a consistent tone, rigorous editorial meth

The region’s floods, the rand’s recent strength beyond R16 to the US dollar and questions over market-opening are not isolated stories but linked signals for policy urgency. Farmers, traders, investors and policymakers face overlapping risks that require coordinated responses across relief, macro policy and trade strategy. If action is delayed or disjointed, the costs will show up in lost livelihoods, constrained investment and forgone market opportunities. This editorial upd

South Africa’s banking landscape has changed in ways most depositors do not yet appreciate. With the launch of the Corporation for Deposit Insurance (CODI) on 1 April 2024, the Reserve Bank has for the first time placed an explicit statutory safety net under retail depositors. CODI insures qualifying deposits up to R100,000 per depositor, per bank. That protection is important — but it is limited, conditional and designed to stabilize the financial system, not to make anyone

Tomorrow on Radio Bop Africa’s This Is It (06:00–10:00), our Thriving Thursday will interrogate five urgent intersections of global politics, domestic policy and food security. We lay out the facts, the stakes, and the hard questions for our resident economists — and invite listeners to call in with evidence, experience and solutions. 1) Minister Godongwana leads SA’s Davos 2026 delegation — what’s the mandate? - Context: South Africa’s finance minister heads the delegation t

If you picture the culinary world as equal parts art and adrenaline — chefs in whites, plates like canvases, applause at service — you’re not wrong. But there’s a second kitchen: a place of punishing shifts, razor‑thin business margins, precarious contracts and, too often, workers who say they were chewed up and spat out. Before you sign up for the brigade, stage in a restaurant or launch that food truck, read this: a clear, blunt guide to what the industry demands, how to ge

The hospitality industry, a cornerstone of global travel and leisure, is a realm of both exceptional experiences and notorious disappointments. On one hand, numerous establishments have set benchmarks with impeccable service, luxurious accommodations, and unforgettable culinary experiences. These places elevate the industry by creating lasting positive impressions, fostering customer loyalty, and often becoming destinations in themselves. However, the industry's reputation is

Since the dawn of democracy in 1994, South Africa has faced persistent economic challenges that have left many citizens disillusioned. Despite promises from successive governments to rejuvenate the economy, results have largely fallen short, with a noticeable downward spiral demanding urgent attention. The nation has witnessed economic policies that, while well-intentioned as per the political rhetoric, have not substantially improved the lives of the majority South Africans.

Dear Esteemed Economists of South Africa, As we stand on the precipice of another financial year, the socio-economic landscape of our beloved country demands urgent introspection and action. South Africa's unemployment rate has reached an unprecedented high, a stark reminder of the growing inequality that plagues our nation. The government, led by the coalition of the ANC and DA, is nearing local elections, yet the economic promises remain largely unfulfilled. It is imperativ

Economists play a crucial role in shaping the economy of a country like South Africa. Their influence stretches across various sectors, impacting both policymaking and the everyday lives of its citizens. This article explores the multifaceted role of economists, highlighting their contributions and examining potential drawbacks. Economic Policy and Planning Economists are pivotal in formulating economic policies that guide the country's development. They analyze data and tren

South Africa's economic landscape has been shaped by a series of political transformations, each leaving an indelible mark on the nation’s governance and economic systems. The journey from colonial rule through apartheid and into the current democratic governance is a testament to both resilience and the complexities of a society grappling with its past. Colonial Rule: The Seeds of Economic Disparity The economic foundations of South Africa were laid during colonial rule, whi

In today's society, the banking system operates much like a well-orchestrated facade, often perceived as a necessary part of financial life. However, beneath this surface lies a complex web of transactions and regulations that can restrict individual freedom and autonomy over personal finances. This article aims to shed light on the mechanisms of the banking system, emphasizing the implications for everyday people. The Bank-Client Relationship: A Misunderstood Dynamic When yo

An Economy of Extraction: How South Africa Is Sacrificed for Global Profit - I Dare Say that, South Africa is Just One Example, the Entire African Continent is in the Same Hole of Destruction South Africa’s economic crisis is not a mystery, nor is it the result of incompetence or bad luck. It is the predictable outcome of an economic system deliberately structured to benefit foreign capital, global powers, and a small local elite—while condemning the majority of South African

As markets awaited Statistics South Africa’s third‑quarter GDP print, the rand’s subdued trade signalled a familiar unease: growth that exists, but lacks the vigour to transform lives and close deep structural divides. Early trading around R17.10 to the dollar and a modest decline in the 2025 government bond yield captured a moment of calm that conceals mounting economic stresses. Economists’ forecasts — roughly 0.4–0.5% quarter‑on‑quarter expansion — point to continuity rath

As South Africa prepares to host the G20 Summit for the first time on the African continent, the anticipation surrounding this historic event is palpable. While the absence of several key leaders from major economies such as the United States, China, and Russia has raised questions about the summit's impact, the potential economic benefits for South Africa and the broader African continent remain significant. This editorial explores ten crucial benefits that arise from hostin

In a world where economic power and influence are often measured by the strength of a nation’s currency, a paradox exists that is difficult to ignore: African countries, rich in natural resources and minerals that fuel global economies, consistently find their currencies weaker than those of developed nations like the United States, Great Britain, and Germany. This article seeks to unravel the complexities of this phenomenon, examining the unfair practices entrenched in the g

South Africa, a nation rich in resources and complexities, finds itself at a critical junction where the exploitation of its natural wealth often overshadows the voices of its most vulnerable communities. Recent headlines have focused on scandals within the South African Police Service, yet beneath this narrative lies a pressing issue: the burgeoning lithium mining industry in KwaZulu Natal (KZN) and its potential consequences for local communities.

Dearest Chriselda Kananda, I fully appreciate your thought-provoking question, "Radio 📻 💔💔 what happened?" This inquiry resonates...

In an era defined by rapid technological advancements, the media landscape is undergoing a seismic shift, particularly in South Africa, where traditional methods of broadcasting are yielding to innovative digital platforms. As consumers of media grapple with these changes, AGT Media Group is pioneering this evolution, leading the way for a new generation of radio and television broadcasting.

In the professional world, the phrase “not all heroes wear capes” rings true, but unfortunately, it’s equally valid that “not all colleagues uplift.” Toxic individuals in the workplace can create an environment that stifles growth, creativity, and morale. These are the people who wake up every day ready to bring negativity and conflict into the office, often fueled by their own unfulfilled aspirations and personal frustrations. As they approach the twilight of their careers,