Miriam Matoma

Miriam is a freelance writer, she covers economics and government news for Rateweb. You can contact her on: Email: miriam@rateweb.co.za Twitter: @MatomaMiriam

George Building Collapse

Death Toll Rises in George Building Collapse

Government, News /
  • Escalating Tragedy: The article highlights the devastating increase in the number of individuals involved in the George building collapse, with the toll rising from an initial estimate of 75 to 81. This revelation underscores the magnitude of the disaster and the urgent need for continued rescue efforts.
  • Rescue Operation Challenges: The piece outlines the ongoing challenges faced by rescue workers as they navigate treacherous conditions in their quest to locate and extricate survivors. Despite the valiant efforts of emergency services, the passage of time intensifies the urgency of the situation, with 44 people still unaccounted for.
  • Community Response and Reflection: The article delves into the broader implications of the tragedy, prompting soul-searching questions about safety protocols and regulatory measures in the construction industry. It also highlights the outpouring of support and solidarity from communities nationwide, emphasizing the collective determination to aid those affected and prevent similar catastrophes in the future.

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South African Breweries (SAB),

SAB’s Local Production of Corona Drives Growth and Success

Business News, Government, News /

 

  • Local Production of Corona: SAB’s decision to manufacture Corona locally at the Roslyn site signifies a strategic move to meet consumer demand while contributing to regional economic growth and job creation.

  • Brand Investment Initiatives: Through ongoing investments in flagship brands, SAB aims to maintain its competitive edge by enhancing product quality and innovating to meet evolving consumer preferences, driving growth across its portfolio.

  • Future Investment Prospects: SAB hints at additional investments on the horizon, highlighting its commitment to sustained growth and innovation as it capitalizes on emerging opportunities and addresses evolving market dynamics.

SAB’s Local Production of Corona Drives Growth and Success Read More »

Gold Prices

Gold Prices Soar to Record Highs, Investors Eye Opportunities

Government, News /
  • Gold Prices Surge to Record Highs: The article highlights the remarkable surge in the price of gold, driven by factors such as inflationary pressures, currency devaluation, and geopolitical uncertainty.
  • Investor Interest Peaks Amidst Economic Turbulence: Amidst global economic turbulence and uncertainty, investors are flocking to gold as a safe haven asset to protect their wealth and hedge against market volatility.
  • Future Outlook for Gold Remains Positive: Despite potential headwinds, analysts remain bullish on gold, citing its resilience as a store of value and its potential to continue its upward trajectory in the long run.

Gold Prices Soar to Record Highs, Investors Eye Opportunities Read More »

Auto Industry Boosts Trade Balance

South Africa’s Auto Industry Boosts Trade Balance to R21.1 Billion in 2023

Government, News /
  • Trade Balance Surge: South Africa’s automotive industry experienced a significant increase in its trade balance for 2023, reaching R21.1 billion, showcasing a 7.6% rise from the previous year’s figure.
  • Record Exports Driving Growth: The surge in the trade balance is primarily attributed to a remarkable increase in vehicle exports, highlighting the industry’s competitiveness on the global stage and its pivotal role in bolstering the nation’s economic stability.
  • Contribution to Manufacturing and GDP: Beyond trade dynamics, the automotive sector significantly contributes to South Africa’s manufacturing output, accounting for 21.9% in 2023, and GDP, standing at 5.3%, underscoring its importance as a key driver of industrial production and economic prosperity.

South Africa’s Auto Industry Boosts Trade Balance to R21.1 Billion in 2023 Read More »

Student Suicides"

Basic Education Minister Visits School After Tragic Student Suicides

Government, News /
  • Tragic Events Unfold: Four students from Eqinisweni Secondary School in Ivory Park have tragically died within a span of 10 days, allegedly after consuming poison. The incidents have shocked the community and prompted a swift response from authorities.
  • Community in Mourning: The school community, including parents, teachers, and students, is grappling with the profound loss and struggling to come to terms with the tragic deaths of the young students. The once vibrant school environment is now overshadowed by grief and sorrow.
  • Response and Calls for Action: In response to the tragedies, the Gauteng Department of Education has dispatched a psycho-social support unit to the school to provide counseling and support. Additionally, there are growing calls for action to address underlying issues such as mental health awareness and social pressures to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Basic Education Minister Visits School After Tragic Student Suicides Read More »

University of Fort Hare

Minister Nzimande’s Visit to University of Fort Hare Unveiled

Government, Lifestyle, News /
  • Corruption and Fraud Allegations: The University of Fort Hare faces allegations of corruption and financial mismanagement, with 25 individuals arrested in connection to a tender corruption syndicate, highlighting pervasive issues within South Africa’s higher education sector.
  • Safety Concerns: Violent crimes, including murders and attempted murders of senior staff, have raised significant safety concerns on campus, prompting fears for the security of students and faculty alike.
  • Ministerial Intervention: Minister Blade Nzimande’s visit signifies the government’s commitment to addressing the challenges facing the University of Fort Hare. Expected to announce measures aimed at tackling corruption and improving campus security, the visit represents a crucial opportunity to restore the institution’s integrity and reputation.

Minister Nzimande’s Visit to University of Fort Hare Unveiled Read More »

South Africa's Parliament,

South Africa’s Parliament Reconstruction Marks Symbolic Democratic Revival

Government, News /
  • Parliament Reconstruction Initiated: After a devastating fire over two years ago, South Africa’s Parliament is finally undergoing reconstruction, marking a crucial step towards revitalizing the nation’s political hub.
  • Progress Amidst Adversity: Despite the extensive damage caused by the fire, significant progress has been made, with 155 out of 210 offices already restored, showcasing resilience and determination in the face of challenges.
  • Vision for the Future: The reconstruction efforts go beyond mere restoration, aiming to create a modern “people’s Parliament” with world-class facilities and broadcasting infrastructure, symbolizing a renewal of faith in South Africa’s democratic ideals and aspirations for a brighter future.

South Africa’s Parliament Reconstruction Marks Symbolic Democratic Revival Read More »

Anglo-BHP Merger

PIC Strategically Weighs Potential R700 Billion Anglo-BHP Merger

Government, News /
  • The Public Investment Corporation (PIC) remains cautiously open-minded about the potential R700 billion merger between Anglo American and BHP, emphasizing the importance of a decision that benefits its clients and South Africa’s financial markets.
  • The PIC’s approach towards the merger is characterized by strategic patience, indicating a careful evaluation of the potential benefits and risks associated with the deal before reaching a decision.
  • The organization’s commitment to prioritizing the long-term interests of its clients and South Africa’s economic prosperity underscores its significant role in shaping the outcome of what could be one of the largest mining deals in decades.

PIC Strategically Weighs Potential R700 Billion Anglo-BHP Merger Read More »

NHI Funding and Taxes

Healthcare Funders Slam Government Over NHI Funding and Taxes

Government, News /
  • Criticism of Government Planning: The Board of Healthcare Funders strongly criticizes the South African government’s planning for the National Health Insurance (NHI) bill, citing concerns about inadequate funding and the potential imposition of tax increases.
  • Insufficient Funds: Healthcare funders highlight the inadequacy of current provisions to sustain the ambitious objectives of the NHI bill, emphasizing the strain on the already stretched healthcare budget and the potential negative impact on the financial stability of citizens.
  • Threat of Tax Hikes: The looming threat of tax increases as a means to finance the NHI bill is condemned by healthcare funders, who argue that such measures would unfairly burden South Africans, particularly those already struggling financially due to economic challenges and the global health crisis.

Healthcare Funders Slam Government Over NHI Funding and Taxes Read More »

Tinned Fish Demand

Cost of Living Crisis Spurs Surge in Tinned Fish Demand

Lifestyle, News /
  • Rising Cost of Living: The article highlights how the escalating cost of living crisis is impacting consumer behavior, prompting households to seek out more affordable alternatives to traditional protein sources.
  • Surge in Tinned Fish Demand: It discusses the significant increase in consumer demand for tinned fish, particularly pilchards, as an affordable and sustainable protein option amidst rising living expenses.
  • Challenges and Solutions: The article underscores the challenges of food insecurity and economic inequality while emphasizing the importance of collaborative efforts to ensure equitable access to affordable and nutritious food options for all South Africans.

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