Sunday Tribune 2024-10-27

South Africans have faced a challenging year dealing with sluggish economic growth, limited consumer spending power, and unprecedented hikes in fuel prices that disrupted daily life, putting extra pressure on consumers and business finances. This was according to Sebastien Alexanderson, the head of National Debt Advisors, who said that as the cost of living continued to rise and financial pressures mounted, many individuals and households have turned to credit cards to manage day-to-day expenses and deal with unexpected financial burdens. A recent McKinsey Global Consumer Sentiment Survey revealed that 87% of consumers describe their current economic situation as stretched, leading 61% to cut back on spending. This belt-tightening has led to 32% of shoppers substituting branded products with more affordable alternatives. Moreover, the recent assessment of the broad money supply…

Cosatu this week welcomed the sharp drop in Consumer Price Inflation (CPI) as it plummeted from 4.4% to 3.8% – a much-needed development for millions of workers grappling with rising living costs. This significant drop, the lowest inflation rate recorded since March 2021, provides a glimmer of hope for South African consumers trying to recover from financial hardships inflicted by the persistent economic strains of recent years after Covid-19, high inflation and high unemployment. Cosatu urged the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) to act decisively by reducing the repo rate in its upcoming Monetary Policy Meeting. Last month, the MPC cut interest rates by 25 basis points, the first rate cut in four years, bringing down the repurchase rate to 8% per annum and the prime lending rate to 11.5%…

The investigations into a recent spate of food poisonings must examine the entire landscape of different stores, not just spaza shops, according to GG Alcock, a prominent informal economy expert. Alcock was speaking in an interview by Business Report after the Democratic Alliance (DA) weighed in on food poisonings, citing the need for tighter regulations in township businesses as laid out in the Township Economic Development Act (TEDA). This after a series of alleged food poisoning incidents in Gauteng and one incident in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN). Six pupils from different schools in Naledi, Soweto died allegedly after consuming food purchased from a spaza shop. In addition, 25 primary school pupils from Mshuluzane Mayisela Primary School were admitted to a hospital in Bronkhorstspruit after eating snacks bought from a street vendor. This…

As the vibrant festival of Diwali draws near, families around the world begin to prepare for celebrations filled with joy, light, and laughter. The intoxicating aroma of traditional dishes wafts through homes as loved ones gather to uphold customs that honour the radiant festival of lights. Yet, as culinary preferences evolve, so does the way we celebrate. This year, why not add a modern touch to your festivities with some delightful Diwali fusion cuisine? These innovative dishes honour age-old flavours while introducing global inspirations, making your celebration as much about exploration as tradition. Among the hallmark elements of Diwali – exchanging gifts, illuminating homes with flickering clay lamps, and crafting colourful rangoli patterns – food remains at the heart of the festivities. With Diwali providing the perfect backdrop,…

In today’s fast-paced world, stress, body image issues and constant scrolling through social media can take a serious toll on our mental and physical well-being. Platforms like TikTok, which often highlight unrealistic beauty standards and endless comparisons, have many people feeling overwhelmed. On the flip side, they also turn to social media for wellness inspiration. Wellness, now more than ever, is becoming a big part of people’s lives as they recognise the importance of looking after themselves – inside and out. To unpack the growing trend of wellness, especially on social media, Independent Media Lifestyle reached out to one of South Africa’s top content creators on “WellnessTok” to get her take on how wellness is evolving and why it's becoming such an important conversation for people of all walks of…

Durban-based make-up artist Sinothile Dlamini recently shared a heartfelt message on social media, reflecting on his career growth over the past six years. In his post, which included screenshots of direct messages to several well-known South African celebrities, including Linda Mtoba and Ntando Duma, where he shot his shot asking to do their makeup as a young up-and-coming make-up artist. Dlamini expressed his gratitude for the support he’s received from them, as they eventually became his clients. “God’s testimony. The past 6 years have been nothing but greatness to me, I have been through the most, but God has always been the best for me and my business. “Years and years passed without any response (DM was obviously not visible because it was on request). I don’t take this lightly.…