Sunday Tribune 2024-12-08

Higher maize prices will negatively impact food security for poor families in South Africa, especially those who rely on maize as a staple food. According to Professor Maxwell Mudhara, an agricultural economist at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, the sharp rise in maize prices will force families to reallocate their budgets, particularly as they prepare for the festive season. “Money normally used for ‘luxuries’ during the festive season may need to be re-allocated towards maize meal purchases. This will certainly dampen the mood that normally comes with such occasions,” he said. A recent USDA report indicates that South Africa may need to import up to 800 000 metric tons of maize between May 2024 and April 2025 due to tight domestic supplies. White maize is currently trading at over R6 300…

South Africans will end the year the same way it began for them, by battling the cost-of-living crisis. This comes after a fuel price increase was announced this past week, making it two consecutive months of increases. To add salt to the wound, Statistics South Africa, announced that the country’s economy contracted in the third quarter of 2024. The Department of Petroleum and Mineral Resources (DMRE) hiked both grades of petrol by 17 cents a litre. Diesel users will have to tighten their belts even further as the price of diesel continues to escalate, rising by between 54 and 55 cents per litre. This meant that illuminating paraffin, a vital resource for many low-income households will also increase by approximately 39 cents per litre, dimming the festive lights considerably for…

Growing up in the Northern Cape, Lesego Ramonnye pursued a career in mechanical engineering and was able to marry expertise with innovation which led to his business, and becoming the director of Sindisa Projects. Ramonnye began Sindisa Projects in 2015 and in its almost nine-years of existence, the young business man built it into a multi-faceted company specialising in engineering infrastructure, construction works, and industrial solutions. Their expertise includes boiler installations, waste handling systems, materials handling, and gas transmission, among others. Ramonnye told Business Report that his leadership is guided by a commitment to community upliftment. Sindisa Projects creates opportunities for local workers, providing mentorship and skills development to equip them for sustainable careers. Through innovative projects and a focus on excellence, Ramonnye, is not only driving industrial growth but…

The Employment Equity (EE) Amendment Act is set to come into effect on January 1, 2025, Minister of Employment and Labour Nomakhosazana Meth announced this week. President Cyril Ramaphosa signed the new amendments into law in April 2023. The reforms aim to simplify compliance for small businesses and empower the government to set sector-specific equity targets. Labour union Cosatu welcomed the new law, saying it would foster equity and hold employers accountable. Small businesses employing fewer than 50 people are among the primary beneficiaries of the amended legislation. Starting in the 2025 reporting cycle, these businesses will no longer need to comply with Chapter III of the Employment Equity Act of 1998, including the requirement to submit EE reports. “We are excited by the latest developments that small…

African women esports players celebrated a momentous victory at the Mzansi Esports Champions 2024 tournament, showcasing remarkable talent during the Tekken Africa Queens Challenge held recently at the rAge Expo in Johannesburg. The championship not only recognised the skill of female gamers but also aimed to amplify their voices in a male-dominated industry. This year’s tournament was dominated by South Africa’s “Iron-Fist” – Zahraa Khan, who clinched the coveted top spot. Khan, an experienced competitor with seven years under her belt, shared: “I feel that this will open many more doors for me to compete internationally and solidify my status as a competitor. “I have been working as hard as I can at tournaments so that I can proudly say I’m up there with the best of the…

In a world where overconsumption and rising living costs are constant concerns, it’s easy to overlook the hidden value of simple, everyday ingredients. Cloves, a spice once as valuable as gold, embody more than just their warm, aromatic flavour – they are a veritable storehouse of health benefits and natural remedies. These powerful little buds, embraced by ancient healers for their healing properties, are now poised to be the sustainable solution many are looking for in today’s context. Here are five uses of cloves that extend well beyond your spice rack, drawing on insights from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and other credible sources: Cloves aid digestion Cloves are renowned for their ability to stimulate the production of digestive enzymes, making them an effective remedy for common digestive ailments…