Latest news with #SouthAfricans'
Eyewitness News
18 hours ago
- Business
- Eyewitness News
South Africa doesn't belong to illegal immigrants, says ActionSA
ActionSA has formally submitted proposed amendments to the Constitution aimed at tightening South Africa's immigration laws and limiting the rights of undocumented foreign nationals. The party argues that the current legal framework has failed. The party says the amendments seek to prioritise South Africans' access to public services, employment, and economic opportunities.
Eyewitness News
6 days ago
- Business
- Eyewitness News
Cabinet approves bill aimed at regulating movement and employment of foreign nationals
CAPE TOWN - Cabinet has approved the introduction of a new bill that seeks to limit the number of foreign nationals that can be employed in the country. At the same time, it also approved the National Labour Migration Policy White Paper, which introduces quotas on the total number of documented foreign nationals that can be employed in major sectors such as agriculture, hospitality, tourism, and construction. Providing an update on Cabinet decisions at parliament on Thursday, Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshaveni said the policy is aimed at achieving balance across the sectors, including addressing South Africans' expectations for job prospects amid rising unemployment. "The policy complements other interventions such as the enforcement of a list of sectors where foreign nationals cannot be allocated business visas and amendments to the National Small Enterprise Act, 1996, which limits foreign nationals establishing Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises, and trading in some sectors of the economy." ALSO READ:- DA argues that employment targets set by labour minister could lead to employers firing employees who don't meet quotas Cabinet has also given the thumbs up to the tabling of the Employment Services Amendment Bill in Parliament, which provides a policy framework and the legal basis to regulate the employment of foreign nationals in business. It will also tighten the screws on labour brokers to prevent exploitation through the employment of undocumented foreign nationals. According to the bill, the employment minister will have the power to set quotas for the employment of foreign nationals. "Cabinet directed the Minister of Employment and Labour to speedily finalise the mapping, through consultations, of what constitutes scarce and critical skills in order to develop a domestic skills base to improve absorption of more unemployed South Africans."
Daily Maverick
28-05-2025
- Sport
- Daily Maverick
South African stars shine in IPL: Grading their performances before World Championship
We grade the South Africans' performances after the conclusion of the league phase of the Indian Premier League. The Indian Premier League (IPL) final four have been confirmed for the better part of the past week, but where the teams who qualified would finish went down to the last league match between Royal Challengers Bangaluru and Lucknow Super Giants yesterday. Bangaluru's six-wicket victory secured their second-place spot on the table with Punjab Kings finishing at the top of the ladder. Across the last 14 seasons of the IPL a team finishing outside the top two has only won the tournament once — the Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2016. That statistic bodes well for fans of the Royal Challengers Bangaluru and Punjab Kings, who have never seen their side lift the trophy in the history of the tournament. The other two sides to have qualified for the final four are Mumbai Indians and Gujarat Titans South Africans have played a big role in the entertainment value of the tournament. The eight members of South Africa's World Test Championship final squad, who have also been playing in the IPL, have left the tournament in preparation for the encounter against Australia at Lord's in England from 11 June. They will not take part in the playoffs. Below we grade the performances of the South Africans in the league phase of the tournament. A+ Aiden Markram (Lucknow Super Giants): The 2025 season was by far Markram's best in the IPL. He was consistent and destructive at the top of the order for Lucknow Super Giants alongside Australia's Mitchell Marsh. The Proteas T20I skipper struck five half-centuries this season. Batting stats: 13 innings, 445 runs, 34.23 average, 148.82 strike rate, high score of 66. Heinrich Klaasen (Sunrisers Hyderabad): The powerful six-hitter was the most expensive South African in this year's IPL, earning close to R50-million this season. He was solid without being outstanding for most of the season before he clubbed an undefeated 37-ball century in Sunrisers Hyderabad's final match of the season. Batting stats: 13 innings, 487 runs, 44.27 average, 172.69 strike rate, high score of 105*. A Dewald Brevis (Chennai Super Kings): He may have entered the tournament late, as an injury replacement, but there's little more Brevis could have done in his six-game stint. He only failed once, going out for a golden duck, and even then, replays suggested the LBW dismissal would have missed leg-stump. Batting stats: six innings, 225 runs, 37.50 average, 180 strike rate, high score of 57. Tristan Stubbs (Delhi Capitals): Despite being one of the cleanest ball-strikers in the world, Stubbs was given little opportunity by the Delhi Capitals to showcase it consistently — coming in at number six. Nonetheless, he performed the task required from him exceptionally well. Batting stats: 13 innings, 300 runs, 50 average, 150.75 strike rate, high score of 41*. B Marco Jansen (Punjab Kings): Jansen finished in the top 10 wicket takers in the tournament, despite often not taking the new ball, at which he has been most successful in the past. Jansen's opportunities with the willow were few and far between outside of facing a few deliveries at the end of the innings. Bowling stats: 14 innings, 16 wickets, 9.20 economy, best figures of 3 for 17. Batting stats: eight innings, 75 runs, 18.75 average, 119.04 strike rate, high score of 34*. Ryan Rickelton (Mumbai Indians): Mumbai Indians' opening batter played every match of the season in his debut campaign in the IPL. He was consistent, having only been dismissed for single digits twice. However, he did not kick on to a big score as often as he would have liked. Batting stats: 14 innings, 388 runs, 29.84 average, 150.97 strike rate, high score of 62*. C Faf du Plessis (Delhi Capitals): The veteran former South African skipper struggled with injuries throughout the tournament. The 40-year-old blew hot and cold with four single-digit scores to go with two half-centuries in what was his 13th season of IPL cricket. Batting stats: nine innings, 202 runs, 22.44 average, 123.92 strike rate, high score of 62. D David Miller (Lucknow Super Giants): The role of the finisher is perhaps the most difficult in T20 cricket. It's a role that Miller has made his own for whatever team he has played for over the past few years, but he struggled to get the ball off the square this year and was eventually dropped from the Super Giants side. Batting stats: 11 innings, 153 runs, 30.60 average, 127.49 strike rate, high score of 27*. Quinton de Kock (Kolkata Knight Riders): De Kock started the tournament with a bang, slamming an undefeated 97 against the Rajasthan Royals in his second match. But in the other seven innings he batted he failed to pass 25 once and registered five single-digit scores. Batting stats: eight innings, 152 runs, 21.71 average, 129.91 strike rate, high score of 97*. Other South Africans to have played in the IPL this season include Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, Matthew Breetzke, Gerald Coetzee, Lungi Ngidi, Kwena Maphaka, Wiaan Mulder, Donovan Ferreira and Corbin Bosch, but they all played fewer than five matches. DM
The Citizen
27-05-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
SpendTrend25: Why South African wallets are shrinking
In response to increasing financial strain, many turned to their retirement savings, such as the two-pot retirement savings system, to provide relief for essential expenses. Consumer spending on credit cards was muted, despite lower inflation, according to the SpendTrend25 report, a collaborative study by Visa and Discovery Bank. The report analyses credit card spend data across South Africa between 2019 and 2024, spanning 12 million credit cards and 2.6 billion transactions. Discovery Bank CEO, Hylton Kallner, says, 'Our latest comprehensive report identifies shifts in financial behaviour for practical insights into how much people spent, what they spent on, and how they spent it. We've also supplemented the analyses with detailed consumer survey data to gain a deeper understanding of the drivers of the trends that we're observing.' In 2024, inflation fell from 6% to 4.4%, yet consumer spending in South Africa remained flat. While we would expect lower inflation to mean more money to spend, the reality is far different. The SpendTrend25 report reveals a clear trend: many consumers are still feeling the pinch, and with less money to spend, spending habits are shifting. Here's how… Rising costs and less disposable income Although inflation has dropped, interest rates reached 11.75% and remained high for most of 2024. The cost of everyday essentials such as groceries, fuel, and utilities also continued to rise. This is putting a large portion of South Africans' budgets under pressure, leaving less disposable income for other purchases. According to the Euromonitor Voice of the Consumer, 86% of South Africans surveyed feel that the cost of everyday items is rising, which demonstrates the widespread impact of inflation and why it's harder for consumers to afford the things they need. Turning to retirement savings for relief In response to increasing financial strain, many turned to their retirement savings, such as the two-pot retirement savings system, to provide relief for essential expenses. By January 2025, the South African Revenue Services reported that about two million South Africans withdrew from their savings pot with a total gross lump sum of R 43.42 billion paid out. The SpendTrend25 research among Discovery Corporate and Employee fund members found they are using their retirement savings for expenses such as home or car costs, paying off short-term debt, school fees and daily expenses. Among Discovery Bank clients, two-pot withdrawal rates were inversely correlated with Vitality Money status. There were higher withdrawal rates for high-income earners with a low Vitality Money status than for lower-income earners with a higher Vitality Money status, highlighting the importance of smart financial habits and sound financial planning. The shift toward value-based spending As consumers become more cost-conscious, value-based spending is gaining traction. 'We've seen a material shift to digital payments in our spend data, this is backed up by consumer preferences whereby over 80% of South Africans surveyed are choosing cards or digital payments over cash whenever they can, and the same percentage engage more with their credit card rewards and benefits than they did a year ago as they focus on value-based spending,' says Kallner. According to the Euromonitor Voice of the Consumer survey included in the SpendTrend25 report, up to 41% of local shoppers now buy more from stores where they have a loyalty card or store credit. The rising uptake and use of these benefits show that consumers want maximum value and offset rising prices by earning rewards or discounts. Discovery Bank has seen that one of the key motivators for clients to adopt healthy financial behaviours with its Vitality Money programme is the ability to book discounted flights and accommodation with Vitality Travel and pay less than the average consumer. Subscriptions to generate value Another shift in consumer spending is the rise of subscriptions. As people face financial pressure, whether from high living costs, interest rates, or stagnant incomes, they have to make careful choices about where to spend their money. Subscription services were once dominated by streaming. By 2024, they have now expanded to include artificial intelligence, sports bookings, and other eCommerce platforms. AI subscriptions saw the highest growth in the share of spend, growing over three times from last year. For Discovery Bank clients, the adoption of AI subscriptions such as ChatGPT and Perplexity have grown more than three times in 2024 compared with the previous year, further demonstrating the shift towards these recurring subscription services. Convenience at a price With busy lifestyles becoming the norm, convenience has become a big factor in how people choose to spend their money. The report highlights that spending on eating out and takeout grew by 12% in 2024 compared with just a 6% increase in in-store shopping. Added to that, it's much easier for shoppers to resist a tempting treat and stick to their grocery budget while adding to a cart on Checkers Sixty60 or Woolies Dash. This is supported by Discovery Vitality data, which shows that online grocery baskets contain 30% healthy food items, compared to 27% in-store. This shift suggests that, even while disposable income may be shrinking, people are still mindful of health-conscious spending, even when opting for convenience. But while convenience is a priority for many, it often comes at a premium, leading consumers to spend more on services that save them time but also increase pressure on their wallets.
Daily Maverick
26-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Maverick
South Africa's resilient wine industry learns to adapt and survive in tougher environment
Wine producers and affiliated businesses are using new strategies to stay relevant and thrive. South Africa's wine industry is a national asset that stretches far beyond the picturesque Winelands, says Rico Basson, chief executive of South Africa Wine, an umbrella body for the sector. The industry's leaders know that its survival lies in reimagining every step of the value chain, from how wine is packaged, to where and how it is sold and consumed. 'It's a sector that employs 270,000 people,' Basson says. 'Wine goes back to farming from Agulhas in the south to Upington in the north.' It's an industry that's staring down the reality of shrinking production, younger generations that are drinking less and beer still ruling South Africans' booze budget. Trends and innovation South Africa's wine producers are throwing out the old playbook. Lighter bottles, lower-alcohol-content wines and even cans are becoming tools in the fight for relevance, affordability and sustainability. 'Alternative packaging like cans is becoming a huge trend,' Basson says. 'It's not about the volume; it's about meeting consumer needs and accessing new channels.' The planet is also part of the equation. A typical wine bottle weighs 450g when empty. Exporters are moving to 360g bottles, says Basson, cutting both costs and carbon. South Africa can't beat the French on climate, but Basson believes the country has a competitive edge in the ways it is able to adapt. 'In France you can't produce Cabernet and Pinotage side by side. In Stellenbosch you can.' Behind every sip of wine lies one of the country's most complex value chains. According to Basson, it maps no fewer than 127 career pathways. 'We've got 86,000ha of vineyards, 2,000 growers and 80,000 workers just on the primary side,' he says. 'For every one job you create on a farm, the chain creates 10 others.' Victor dos Reis, head of Investec Private Capital, reckons the sector has much to offer investors. 'We've got fantastic resources, fantastic people and fantastic technology. So to me it makes good sense for an investor to look here.' Dos Reis says there are several value-adding opportunities in processing and canning, and in the tech-driven solutions emerging from the Western Cape's growing digital economy. Infographic by Kara le Roux Expansion and challenges The subsector of wine tourism is also growing at an exponential rate. The biggest misconception is that all wine tourists are foreigners, says Basson, who notes that about 66% of them are South Africans. The challenge is to spread the tourist wallet to more destinations and experiences. 'We can't take more people up Table Mountain, but we can take more people to Darling,' he says. Dos Reis says the industry must keep innovating the wine tourism experience. 'Wine tourism has quite a few factors. There are countless opportunities. You've just got to be creative around it.' The alcohol industry is also navigating a regulatory and operational environment that is becoming increasingly strict. 'Our biggest threat right now is [excessive] taxation,' Basson says. 'We don't have a problem with regulation; we have a problem with enforcement.' According to National Treasury figures, 14% to 22% of all alcohol trade in South Africa is illicit, adding nothing to the country's coffers. 'If you're Treasury and you can enforce [taxation], you can get back a lot of your excise,' Basson says. At the same time, the industry is wrestling with sustainability expectations. There is much chatter about environmental, social and corporate governance issues, but Basson cautions against it being 'window dressing'. The sector is working on formal baseline standards to set tangible goals and move to greener systems, he adds. DM This story first appeared in our weekly Daily Maverick 168 newspaper, which is available countrywide for R35.
