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

significant skills shortage,

South Africa’s Critical Skills Shortage Threatens Business Prosperity

Finance News, News /
  • Skills Shortage Impacting Multiple Sectors: South Africa is facing a significant skills shortage across various sectors, including engineering, finance, information technology, and healthcare. This scarcity not only raises operational costs for businesses but also hampers productivity and growth prospects.
  • Key Sectors Facing Challenges: Engineering, finance, and information technology sectors are particularly affected by the skills shortage. In engineering, roles like civil/structural engineering and electronic engineering are hard to fill, while finance struggles to find talent in areas like actuarial management/administration, external auditing, and taxation. Information technology grapples with shortages in roles such as software development, database design/administration, and UX/GUI design.
  • Call for Action to Address the Issue: Stakeholders in the public and private sectors need to collaborate on developing strategies to bridge the skills gap. This includes policymakers, educators, and industry leaders working together to enhance skills development and ensure a steady supply of qualified professionals to meet the demands of the evolving job market. Failure to address the skills shortage jeopardizes business sustainability and undermines the country’s long-term economic growth.

South Africa’s Critical Skills Shortage Threatens Business Prosperity Read More »

South Africa's educational landscape,

South Africa’s Education System Overhaul: Major Reforms Approved

Government, News /
  • NCOP Approves BELA Bill Amendments: The National Council of Provinces (NCOP) has endorsed the Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Bill’s amended version, signaling widespread support for significant reforms in South Africa’s education system.
  • Key Reforms in D-Bill: The amended D-Bill introduces pivotal changes, including granting schools autonomy in language and admission policies, enforcing compulsory Grade R, and prohibiting corporal punishment, aiming to modernize and improve the quality of education.
  • Legislative Journey and Future Outlook: Despite approval, the bill faces challenges in transitioning through parliamentary processes amid the impending conclusion of the current term. Legal battles and bureaucratic hurdles may impact its final enactment, reflecting the complexities of educational reform in South Africa.

South Africa’s Education System Overhaul: Major Reforms Approved Read More »

road accident fund

SIU Exposes Corruption Crisis at Road Accident Fund

Government, News /
  • Financial Distress and Blame Game: The Road Accident Fund (RAF) is grappling with a significant deficit of R8.43 billion for the 2022/23 financial year, attributed in part by its CEO Collins Letsoalo to ‘suspicious, exorbitant’ claims, particularly by non-South Africans. Letsoalo’s assertions, however, overlook deeper issues highlighted by the Special Investigating Unit (SIU).
  • SIU Unveils Corruption and Mismanagement: The SIU’s investigation into the RAF reveals a pervasive culture of corruption and mismanagement within the organization. Beyond Letsoalo’s allegations, the SIU uncovers systemic failures including procurement irregularities, duplicate claims payments, and collusion between RAF employees and service providers.
  • Calls for Reform and Accountability: In response to the SIU’s findings, recommendations are made to overhaul the RAF’s operations and restore public trust. Proposed measures include periodic bank reconciliations, enhanced checks on claims payments, and a comprehensive review of internal processes. The article underscores the urgency for the RAF to implement reforms and regain credibility in fulfilling its mandate effectively.

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"Mashatile's Bodyguards

Mashatile’s Bodyguards Face Trial Over Blue Light Assault

Government, News /
  • Legal Renewal: The article highlights the resumption of the trial involving Deputy President Paul Mashatile’s bodyguards accused of a blue light assault. After a hiatus, the case returns to court, underscoring the significance of holding those in power accountable for the actions of their security personnel.
  • Broader Implications: Beyond individual culpability, the trial is expected to delve into systemic issues within VIP protection units, such as training protocols and the use of force. It sparks discussions around the need for stricter oversight and regulation to prevent abuse of authority.
  • Judicial Importance: The outcome of the trial is crucial for reaffirming justice and accountability within law enforcement agencies. It serves as a test for the legal system’s commitment to upholding democratic principles and sends a message that abuse of power will not be tolerated.

Mashatile’s Bodyguards Face Trial Over Blue Light Assault Read More »

Sibanye-Stillwater,

Sibanye-Stillwater Presses Ahead with R2.5B Renewable Energy Investment

Government, News /

  • Sibanye-Stillwater’s Resilience: Despite facing significant delays caused by land claims, Sibanye-Stillwater remains committed to advancing its renewable energy projects, showcasing resilience in overcoming obstacles.

  • Strategic Investment in Renewable Energy: The company’s commitment of R2.5 billion underscores its strategic investment in renewable energy initiatives, highlighting its dedication to sustainability and environmental responsibility.

  • Contributing to South Africa’s Renewable Energy Landscape: Sibanye-Stillwater’s renewable energy projects are poised to contribute significantly to South Africa’s renewable energy goals, aligning with broader national ambitions to increase renewable energy capacity and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

Sibanye-Stillwater Presses Ahead with R2.5B Renewable Energy Investment Read More »

President Thabo Mbeki

Former President Accuses Eskom of Deliberate Load-Shedding Scheme

Government, News /
  • Thabo Mbeki’s Explosive Allegations: Former South African President Thabo Mbeki accuses Eskom of deliberately orchestrating load-shedding, contradicting claims of insufficient generation capacity or government negligence.
  • Challenges Facing Eskom: The accusations reignite debates on Eskom’s performance, including issues of aging infrastructure, financial mismanagement, and allegations of corruption, raising questions about accountability within the organization.
  • Implications and Responses: Mbeki’s claims prompt calls for investigations into Eskom’s operations and governance structures, with mixed political reactions and renewed emphasis on the need for transparency and accountability within the energy sector.

Former President Accuses Eskom of Deliberate Load-Shedding Scheme Read More »

Untreated Sewage Crisis

Government Pursues Criminal Charges Against 26 Municipalities Over Sewage

Government, News /
  • Government Action: The National Department of Water and Sanitation has initiated 36 criminal cases against 26 municipalities, highlighting the government’s decisive stance in addressing the widespread issue of untreated sewage across the country.
  • Environmental and Public Health Concerns: The article underscores the severe consequences of untreated sewage spills, including environmental degradation, public health hazards, and compromised quality of life for affected communities.
  • Call for Accountability and Remedial Action: By pursuing criminal charges against negligent municipalities, the government emphasizes the need for accountability in wastewater management and advocates for proactive measures to prevent future incidents, safeguarding both the environment and public health.

Government Pursues Criminal Charges Against 26 Municipalities Over Sewage Read More »

"Shoprite Defies Sector Slump,

Shoprite Defies Sector Slump, Emerges as Top Performer

Business News, News /
  • Shoprite stands out as the best-performing JSE-listed food retailer in 2024, despite facing challenges, showcasing its resilience and strategic positioning in the market.
  • Competitors like Spar, Woolworths, and Pick n Pay have experienced significant declines in share prices and financial performance due to various factors such as operational issues, debt burdens, and economic headwinds.
  • Shoprite’s ability to sustain market share gains, innovate, and navigate challenges underscores its agility and customer-centric approach, positioning it favorably amidst industry turbulence and reaffirming its status as a stalwart of the retail sector.

Shoprite Defies Sector Slump, Emerges as Top Performer Read More »

"Cape Town's Extortion Epidemic

Cape Town’s Extortion Epidemic Threatens City’s Economic Stability

Government, News /
  • Extortion has emerged as a pervasive threat in Cape Town, infiltrating various sectors such as construction, transportation, and small businesses, leading to widespread fear and instability.
  • The study identifies four distinct extortion economies operating within the city, each characterized by coercive tactics, gang affiliations, and corruption, with criminals seamlessly navigating between them.
  • The report highlights the urgent need for coordinated efforts to combat extortion, advocating for surveillance, targeted law enforcement interventions, and community engagement initiatives to safeguard Cape Town’s economic prosperity and societal well-being.

Cape Town’s Extortion Epidemic Threatens City’s Economic Stability Read More »

shell garage

Shell Considers Exiting South Africa, Stirring Investment Concerns

Business News, News /
  • Shell’s Potential Exit: The article discusses reports indicating that Shell, a major player in South Africa’s energy sector, is contemplating divesting its majority stake in Shell Downstream South Africa, sparking speculation about its future presence in the country.
  • Investment Climate Concerns: It highlights broader concerns regarding South Africa’s investment climate, as evidenced by recent developments such as BHP’s bid for Anglo American, and comments from Volkswagen’s CEO about challenges facing the automotive manufacturing sector.
  • Resilience Amidst Challenges: Despite these challenges, the article underscores continued investor confidence in South Africa, as exemplified by Volkswagen’s recent multi-billion rand investment in its local manufacturing plant and PwC’s research indicating enduring attractions for foreign investors despite structural impediments.

Shell Considers Exiting South Africa, Stirring Investment Concerns Read More »