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The Citizen
3 days ago
- The Citizen
Truck driver found twenty times over the legal alcohol limit in KZN
He will make his first court appearance in August. The Road Traffic Inspectorate, working with the South African Police Service (Saps), have arrested a truck driver for drinking and driving in Van Reenen along the N3 Freeway. The driver is currently detained in Ladysmith. According to the MEC for Transport and Human Settlements, Siboniso Duma, the driver allegedly blew 0.32 mg/1000ml, which is three times more than the legal limit of 0.10 mg/1000 for professional drivers. ALSO READ: Tow truck driver arrested after KZN crash kills 8 Another truck driver, who was also caught driving intoxicated, will make his first appearance in court on 18 August 2025. According to Duma, the second driver was caught driving a truck and blew 2.0mg/1000ml, which is twenty times more than the legal limit of 0.10mg /1000ml. KZN truck accidents KZN has been battling the scourge of truck accidents in recent months, due to several factors. On 16 May, two trucks collided along the N3 Southbound just after the Peter Brown off-ramp, after one of the trucks allegedly experienced brake failure. A week before, a collision between a truck and a light delivery vehicle transporting passengers claimed multiple lives on the N2 highway near Empangeni. ALSO READ: Lifeless body of a driver recovered in KZN after a two-day search Eight victims lost their lives in the accident. Duma says the province has adopted a zero-tolerance attitude to drunk drivers due to the high number of accidents. 'Weeks ago, we laid to rest nine victims of a horrific accident involving a truck in Empangeni along the N2,' said Duma. 'Families lost their loved ones and breadwinners, with children becoming orphans as a result of one reckless truck driver. 'During my meeting with senior management last Monday, I instructed our RTI team to intensify their 'no-nonsense, zero-tolerance' and Alufakwa campaign on our roads. ALSO READ: Truck accident forces closure of N3 toll road as festive season ends 'We undertake to clamp down on bad behaviour in all corners of our province. 'In particular, we are paying more attention to trucks because, more than any vehicle, trucks can damage more vehicles at once, and their accidents can lead to serious injuries because of the impact.' The department said the country's roads would no longer be 'playgrounds' for irresponsible drivers. 'We must remove all these elements that are costing our country a fortune. 'We have been informed that road accidents cost the South African economy over R164 billion annually, an equivalent of 3.4% of the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP).' READ NEXT: Police arrest six truckers for theft of minerals in Pongola, KZN
Scoop
3 days ago
- Business
- Scoop
NZ's Budget For Austerity And War
Article – Socialist Equality Group The money for war comes at the direct expense of the working class. Notably, the govt expects to save $12.8 billion over four years by cancelling 33 separate pay equity negotiations, which were to increase pay for hundreds of thousands of … The budget announced by New Zealand's right-wing coalition government on May 22 represents a major escalation in the assault on workers' wages, living standards and public services, in order to fund tax breaks for the rich and to build up the military in preparation for war. Finance Minister Nicola Willis asserted that the budget was 'not austerity—far from it,' saying that it contained 'much-needed investments' in health and education. This flies in the face of reality. The government slashed the budget's operating allowance (total increase in spending) to $1.3 billion—the lowest figure in a decade. Over the next four years it intends to reduce total spending from 32.9 to 30.9 percent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The government cited deepening economic turmoil as a result of the Trump administration's tariffs, which come on top of last year's recession in New Zealand. The country's economy shrank by 0.5 percent in 2024, and unemployment rose from 4 to 5.1 percent, with tens of thousands of workers sacked across the public sector and by private companies. There is a stark social crisis, with soaring living costs, an estimated 500,000 people (one in ten) relying on food banks and one in five children living in poverty—all of which will get worse as a result of the budget changes. The most significant new spending is on the military, in line with demands from the US, Australia and the NATO imperialist powers. The defence budget will rise from 1 to 2 percent of GDP over the next eight years, starting with an investment of nearly $13 billion over four years. Far-right ACT Party leader and government minister David Seymour warned in parliament that the 'the chances are higher than ever' that New Zealand will need to use its military. The increased spending, he said, 'allows us to be part of a network of like-minded democratic societies committed to defending our freedoms in an uncertain world.' In fact, as was made clear in last month's Defence Capability Plan, the aim is to integrate New Zealand into aggressive US-led military preparations targeting China. As a minor imperialist power, New Zealand is already contributing to the brutal war in Ukraine and the bombing of Yemen, which are part of the imperialist countries' efforts to solve their economic crisis by violently redividing the world. The opposition Labour Party supports this agenda: its leader Chris Hipkins did not mention the vast military spending boost in his response to the budget. His ally, Green Party co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick stated that the government 'think it's harder to feed the poor [than] to arm up for somebody else's war.' The Greens' alternative budget, however, is silent on the rearmament program. As part of the last Labour-led coalition government from 2017 to 2023, the Greens supported increased military spending and the decision to send troops to Britain to assist in training Ukrainian conscripts for war against Russia. The party has recently adopted the militarist slogan of making NZ 'a country worth fighting for.' The money for war comes at the direct expense of the working class. Notably, the government expects to 'save' $12.8 billion over four years by cancelling 33 separate pay equity negotiations, which were to increase pay for hundreds of thousands of workers in female-dominated roles, including teachers. Other attacks include: Reduced government contributions to KiwiSaver, a retirement savings scheme covering most workers. Currently, members of the scheme can get $521 a year from the state, but this has been halved to $260.72 in order to save the government $2.46 billion over four years. Around 9,000 unemployed 18- and 19-year-olds will be kicked off unemployment benefits 'if it is determined that their parents or caregivers can support them.' The move is particularly brutal given that 13.2 percent of under-25-year-olds are not employed or in education—more than double the overall unemployment rate. The Best Start tax credit, given to parents in the first year of their child's life, will be income-tested, which will lead to 'a reduction in income' for around 61,000 families, according to government officials. $1 billion will be cut over five years to emergency housing for the homeless, under conditions where 2.3 percent of the population is severely housing deprived. None of these cuts will be offset by the pitifully small 'relief' touted by the government, consisting of a $7-a-week increase in tax credits for some working families. The government's rhetoric about increased investment in health and education is likewise a sham. Total annual health spending has increased by just 4.77 percent ($1.37 billion)—not enough to address the crisis of unmet need and understaffing of public hospitals and medical centres. With inflation at 2.5 percent and annual population growth of 1.5 to 2 percent, Auckland University health policy professor Tim Tenbensel wrote in the Conversation that a 4–5 percent funding increase 'amounts to merely standing still.' Doctors, nurses and other healthcare workers have held strikes over the past year-and-a-half to protest below-inflation pay offers and a hiring freeze in public hospitals. Funding for public education is being cut in real terms. Radio NZ reports that school operations grants have received an increase of just 1.5 percent. Meanwhile government subsidies for private schools, including several elite institutions, will rise by 11 percent. The budget will increase subsidies for university tuition by 3 percent or 4.75 percent, depending on the subject. Tertiary education providers, which have had their funding slashed by successive governments, will be permitted to increase fees by 6 percent, driving up student debt, which reached a total of $15.6 billion at the end of 2024. The government anticipates that its austerity measures will fuel social opposition and conflict and is therefore strengthening the repressive arms of the state. There is $472 million over four years to expand prisons and hire 580 more Corrections staff, in addition to 685 funded in last year's budget. Some $33 million over four years is allocated to expand military-style boot camps for young offenders. Labour Party leader Hipkins denounced several cuts in the budget, as well as $200 million in subsidies for fossil fuels development at gas fields. 'More people are homeless, more children are going hungry and women are going to be paid less. That's what Nicola Willis and [Prime Minister] Christopher Luxon will be remembered for,' Hipkins said. Such statements are typical of Labour's blatant hypocrisy. The National-led coalition government is, in fact, building upon the attacks of the last Labour government. Labour lost the 2023 election in a landslide defeat, fuelled by mass anger over soaring living costs, the crisis in the health system, increased child poverty and homelessness, as well as Labour's support for Israel's genocidal assault on Gaza. The Public Service Association's Fleur Fitzsimons similarly denounced the budget as 'wage theft on a national scale against New Zealand women.' The PSA, the biggest union, has enforced thousands of job cuts across the public sector, while also openly supporting the multi-billion dollar increase in military spending. The budget's austerity and warmongering will accelerate the movement to the left by workers and young people, who will come into conflict not only with the government, but with the opposition parties and the pro-capitalist union apparatus. The crucial task facing the working class is to establish its political independence from all these organisations and to consciously take up the fight for the socialist reorganisation of society. This means joining and fighting to build the world Trotskyist movement, which in New Zealand is represented by the Socialist Equality Group. 26 May 2025
Scoop
3 days ago
- Business
- Scoop
NZ's Budget For Austerity And War
Article – Socialist Equality Group The money for war comes at the direct expense of the working class. Notably, the govt expects to save $12.8 billion over four years by cancelling 33 separate pay equity negotiations, which were to increase pay for hundreds of thousands of … The budget announced by New Zealand's right-wing coalition government on May 22 represents a major escalation in the assault on workers' wages, living standards and public services, in order to fund tax breaks for the rich and to build up the military in preparation for war. Finance Minister Nicola Willis asserted that the budget was 'not austerity—far from it,' saying that it contained 'much-needed investments' in health and education. This flies in the face of reality. The government slashed the budget's operating allowance (total increase in spending) to $1.3 billion—the lowest figure in a decade. Over the next four years it intends to reduce total spending from 32.9 to 30.9 percent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The government cited deepening economic turmoil as a result of the Trump administration's tariffs, which come on top of last year's recession in New Zealand. The country's economy shrank by 0.5 percent in 2024, and unemployment rose from 4 to 5.1 percent, with tens of thousands of workers sacked across the public sector and by private companies. There is a stark social crisis, with soaring living costs, an estimated 500,000 people (one in ten) relying on food banks and one in five children living in poverty—all of which will get worse as a result of the budget changes. The most significant new spending is on the military, in line with demands from the US, Australia and the NATO imperialist powers. The defence budget will rise from 1 to 2 percent of GDP over the next eight years, starting with an investment of nearly $13 billion over four years. Far-right ACT Party leader and government minister David Seymour warned in parliament that the 'the chances are higher than ever' that New Zealand will need to use its military. The increased spending, he said, 'allows us to be part of a network of like-minded democratic societies committed to defending our freedoms in an uncertain world.' In fact, as was made clear in last month's Defence Capability Plan, the aim is to integrate New Zealand into aggressive US-led military preparations targeting China. As a minor imperialist power, New Zealand is already contributing to the brutal war in Ukraine and the bombing of Yemen, which are part of the imperialist countries' efforts to solve their economic crisis by violently redividing the world. The opposition Labour Party supports this agenda: its leader Chris Hipkins did not mention the vast military spending boost in his response to the budget. His ally, Green Party co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick stated that the government 'think it's harder to feed the poor [than] to arm up for somebody else's war.' The Greens' alternative budget, however, is silent on the rearmament program. As part of the last Labour-led coalition government from 2017 to 2023, the Greens supported increased military spending and the decision to send troops to Britain to assist in training Ukrainian conscripts for war against Russia. The party has recently adopted the militarist slogan of making NZ 'a country worth fighting for.' The money for war comes at the direct expense of the working class. Notably, the government expects to 'save' $12.8 billion over four years by cancelling 33 separate pay equity negotiations, which were to increase pay for hundreds of thousands of workers in female-dominated roles, including teachers. Other attacks include: Reduced government contributions to KiwiSaver, a retirement savings scheme covering most workers. Currently, members of the scheme can get $521 a year from the state, but this has been halved to $260.72 in order to save the government $2.46 billion over four years. Around 9,000 unemployed 18- and 19-year-olds will be kicked off unemployment benefits 'if it is determined that their parents or caregivers can support them.' The move is particularly brutal given that 13.2 percent of under-25-year-olds are not employed or in education—more than double the overall unemployment rate. The Best Start tax credit, given to parents in the first year of their child's life, will be income-tested, which will lead to 'a reduction in income' for around 61,000 families, according to government officials. $1 billion will be cut over five years to emergency housing for the homeless, under conditions where 2.3 percent of the population is severely housing deprived. None of these cuts will be offset by the pitifully small 'relief' touted by the government, consisting of a $7-a-week increase in tax credits for some working families. The government's rhetoric about increased investment in health and education is likewise a sham. Total annual health spending has increased by just 4.77 percent ($1.37 billion)—not enough to address the crisis of unmet need and understaffing of public hospitals and medical centres. With inflation at 2.5 percent and annual population growth of 1.5 to 2 percent, Auckland University health policy professor Tim Tenbensel wrote in the Conversation that a 4–5 percent funding increase 'amounts to merely standing still.' Doctors, nurses and other healthcare workers have held strikes over the past year-and-a-half to protest below-inflation pay offers and a hiring freeze in public hospitals. Funding for public education is being cut in real terms. Radio NZ reports that school operations grants have received an increase of just 1.5 percent. Meanwhile government subsidies for private schools, including several elite institutions, will rise by 11 percent. The budget will increase subsidies for university tuition by 3 percent or 4.75 percent, depending on the subject. Tertiary education providers, which have had their funding slashed by successive governments, will be permitted to increase fees by 6 percent, driving up student debt, which reached a total of $15.6 billion at the end of 2024. The government anticipates that its austerity measures will fuel social opposition and conflict and is therefore strengthening the repressive arms of the state. There is $472 million over four years to expand prisons and hire 580 more Corrections staff, in addition to 685 funded in last year's budget. Some $33 million over four years is allocated to expand military-style boot camps for young offenders. Labour Party leader Hipkins denounced several cuts in the budget, as well as $200 million in subsidies for fossil fuels development at gas fields. 'More people are homeless, more children are going hungry and women are going to be paid less. That's what Nicola Willis and [Prime Minister] Christopher Luxon will be remembered for,' Hipkins said. Such statements are typical of Labour's blatant hypocrisy. The National-led coalition government is, in fact, building upon the attacks of the last Labour government. Labour lost the 2023 election in a landslide defeat, fuelled by mass anger over soaring living costs, the crisis in the health system, increased child poverty and homelessness, as well as Labour's support for Israel's genocidal assault on Gaza. The Public Service Association's Fleur Fitzsimons similarly denounced the budget as 'wage theft on a national scale against New Zealand women.' The PSA, the biggest union, has enforced thousands of job cuts across the public sector, while also openly supporting the multi-billion dollar increase in military spending. The budget's austerity and warmongering will accelerate the movement to the left by workers and young people, who will come into conflict not only with the government, but with the opposition parties and the pro-capitalist union apparatus. The crucial task facing the working class is to establish its political independence from all these organisations and to consciously take up the fight for the socialist reorganisation of society. This means joining and fighting to build the world Trotskyist movement, which in New Zealand is represented by the Socialist Equality Group. By Tom Peters, Socialist Equality Group 26 May 2025
NDTV
27-05-2025
- Business
- NDTV
"Instead Of Celebrating GDP Numbers...": Hotmail's Sabeer Bhatia Pushes For Educating Citizens
India has overtaken Japan to become the world's fourth-largest economy, with a projected GDP of $4.187 billion for the 2025-26 financial year. This milestone has sparked both praise and critique from business and tech leaders. In a series of tweets, Sabeer Bhatia, Hotmail's co-founder, raised questions about the real impact of this growth on the lives of ordinary Indians. He highlighted the need to focus on GDP per capita and ensuring prosperity for all citizens. "Everyone's gloating about India becoming the 4th largest economy. But where's the prosperity on the streets? Why are so many still desperate to leave? GDP rankings mean little if people don't feel the progress. What gives?" he questioned. He emphasised that GDP rankings are insignificant if people don't experience the benefits of progress. Mr Bhatia further suggested that instead of celebrating GDP numbers, India should focus on educating its citizens and becoming the intellectual property (IP) capital of the world. See the tweets here: Everyone's gloating about India becoming the 4th largest economy. But where's the prosperity on the streets?Why are so many still desperate to leave? GDP rankings mean little if people don't feel the progress. What gives? — Sabeer Bhatia (@sabeer) May 25, 2025 India's greatest asset is her people. Instead of celebrating GDP numbers, we should focus on educating our citizens and transforming India into the IP capital of the world. — Sabeer Bhatia (@sabeer) May 26, 2025 Meanwhile, industrialists like Anand Mahindra have hailed the milestone as a testament to India's long-term ambition and entrepreneurial spirit. He said the "milestone" was a dream come true and reminded the country to "stay dissatisfied." GDP, or Gross Domestic Product, represents the total value of goods and services produced within a country over a year, serving as a key indicator of its economic size and strength. Until 2024, India ranked fifth globally. However, according to the International Monetary Fund's (IMF) April World Economic Outlook, India's GDP is projected to reach $4.19 trillion in 2025, narrowly surpassing Japan's estimated figure and propelling India to the fourth spot. BVR Subrahmanyam, CEO of Niti Aayog, confirmed India's rising economic status during a briefing after the think tank's 10th Governing Council meeting. Mr Subrahmanyam also projected that India could become the third-largest economy within the next 2.5 to 3 years. However, this achievement is overshadowed by a significant disparity in per capita income, with India's per capita GDP standing at $2,880 compared to Japan's $33,960.
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
When Will Trump's Tariffs Start Affecting the Economy?
Forecasters expect the economic shockwave from President Donald Trump's trade wars to hit the economy soon, as reflected in "hard data" such as unemployment and inflation statistics. Some forecasts show inflation rising first, followed by a jump in the unemployment rate. Other measures that could take a hit include gross domestic product and consumer economic measures have stayed stable so far despite President Donald Trump's trade wars, but economic forecasters say that could soon expect varied parts of the economy to show the strain of tariffs at different times in the coming months. Several forecasts anticipate inflation rising first, showing up in hard data this summer, followed by an uptick in unemployment as the economy slows down. So far, there have been few signs that Trump's historically high import taxes imposed over the last few months are affecting the economy. The unemployment rate stayed low at 4.2% in April, and inflation was less than expected over the last two months. However, economists are bracing for higher prices and an economic slowdown due to Trump's tariffs. Economists at Pantheon Macroeconomics expect 40% of the tariffs' impact on prices to hit by July, and 70% by October, pushing up Americans' cost of living, according to a commentary this week. And the unemployment rate will rise in the second half of the year, reaching 4.75% by the end of the year. The Pantheon forecast assumes the administration won't impose any more tariffs and predicts the economy will avoid a at Goldman Sachs predicted the economy will practically stall out starting in the second quarter of the year, with domestic final sales growing sluggishly at 0.7% over the year, down from the pace of more than 2% annual growth since 2023.N onprofit economic research group The Conference Board anticipates inflation heating up in the year's second quarter, with prices as measured by "core" Personal Consumer Expenditure inflation rising 3.1% over the year, up from 2.8% in the first quarter, and reaching 3.3% by the fourth quarter. They expect the unemployment rate to rise in the second quarter and continue to increase the rest of the year until it reaches 4.6%.The temporary tariff agreement that the White House reached with China last week likely won't be enough to prevent a tariff shock from hitting the economy, the Conference Board said. In addition to inflation and unemployment, the board's forecast showed economic output as measured by Gross Domestic Product (GDP) will slow down later in the year."We estimate sizable shocks to growth, inflation, and employment in the coming months, even as the U.S. administration reached an agreement to significantly reduce tariffs on imports from China," Conference Board economists wrote. "The Conference Board estimates tariffs may substantially lower GDP growth, raise inflation, weaken the labor market, and prompt Fed rate cuts." Read the original article on Investopedia Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
