Sunday Tribune 2024-07-21

As South African consumers sink deeper into a protracted cost-of-living crisis fuelled by the highest interest rate the country has seen in over a decade, Reserve Bank Governor Lesetja Kganyago warned of rocky roads ahead, at least for the foreseeable future. While his announcement that the repo rate would hold steady for at least the next two months aligns with market consensus, some disagree with Kganyago’s sentiment that the bank won’t change policy until inflation is sustainably at 4.5%, as its constitutional mandate is to protect the value of the rand by keeping inflation low and steady. In the South African Reserve Bank’s (SARB) annual report published last month, he said the bank was concerned that inflation was still stuck above 4.5%, and it was important to rebuild confidence in…

South Africa is home to Africa’s largest and most complex financial systems. The industry is underpinned by sound regulatory and legal frameworks which allow various commercial entities to thrive, help grow our economy, and compete globally. One of the critical role players in its growth is the accounting sector. The knowledge-intensive profession has a workforce of around 56 000 employees and generates annual revenues in excess of R30 billion. However, the sector is not without its challenges. Over the years, a number of high-profile fraud and financial irregularities have compromised confidence in its integrity. There is also a skills shortage that negates a steady supply of qualified CA(SA) professionals to meet the high demand in the industry. The South African Institute of Professional Accountants estimates that the country has a…

BUSINESS Leadership South Africa (BLSA) on Friday commended President Cyril Ramaphosa on his first opening of Parliament address since the formation of the Government of National Unity (GNU), saying it signalled a continuation of the positive reforms that were started in the previous administration. BLSA CEO Busisiwe Mavuso, said, “His message of unity and working together to solve South Africa’s pressing challenges is well received and we look forward to working with government leaders to achieve this.” Ramaphosa said the election made it clear that political parties needed to unite, cooperate and form a partnership to solve the triple challenges of poverty, inequality and unemployment – which it has achieved through the formation of the GNU. “We support the approach of collaboration, as the business sector – through BLSA –…

South Africa and the world know her as DJ Zinhle. There are very few people who are unaware of her being one of the first female DJs in the country. It’s been 20 years of Ntombezinhle Mohosana (nee Jiyane), spinning the DJ decks, wowing crowds and cementing herself as a business mogul. DJ Zinhle’s history in the South African urban culture dates back to her days on the SABC1 dance competition show Jika Majika when she had the famous “chicken” hairstyle as her bestie Nomuzi “Moozlie” Mabena calls it. When DJ Zinhle first entered the DJ scene, she and Durban-based DJ Cndo and DJ Scnazzy were among the few prominent female DJs. Almost 20 years later, the industry has the likes of Uncle Waffles, DBN Gogo, DJ Tshego, Drihanna and…

It’s the battle of the recipes between Onezwa Mbola and Nara Smith yet again. The Mbola and Smith saga continues as Smith is being side-eyed for allegedly stealing Mbola’s content. Mbola, a self-taught cook from the Eastern Cape, famous on social media for making food from scratch using foraged or homegrown ingredients accused Smith about a month ago of stealing her ideas without crediting her. “The reason to take a break on that platform is that for months now I have watched a very popular content creator use my ideas. “They have continuously used my ideas to get views. “Now that would be fine except in South Africa we don't get paid for views and where she is they get paid for views. “So she has been making money by…

As you stand in the produce aisle, yearning for inspiration and frankly something to get you out of your broccoli rut, take note of the chicories. Part of the salad family, chicories comprise pleasantly bitter, multihued lettuces – think radicchio or escarole. Hearty enough for heavy recipes and able to handle lots of spice, chefs are using chicories in just about everything these days. Also, their bright colours, intricate patterns and plating style mean that these chicories are getting snapped up by foodies left and right, providing a near-perfect Instagram feed. Their leaves are often robust and have a bitter edge. They are typically planted as cool-weather crops in late autumn and harvested in early spring. They are popularly eaten as salads, complementing cheese, nuts and fruits, and can also…