Sunday Tribune 2025-02-02

Economists have warned motorists to start filling up their tanks as a steep petrol price increase is on the cards from Wednesday, February 5. This would mark the fourth consecutive increase in petrol. Economist Dawie Roodt said that we should be prepared for an increase of around 80 cents to R1 a litre. “It’s unfortunate news that we are facing another fuel price increase. The weaker Rand and higher oil prices are the main contributors to the expected petrol price increase. “The Rand has been gaining a little and the oil price is a little lower, but because of the overall period, we still have an increase in the petrol price.” Roodt added that it is difficult to say what will happen to the fuel price in the next few…

Stock markets suffered a sell-off on Monday 27, January as China’s DeepSeek claimed new advances in the field of artificial intelligence. DeepSeek says it has trained a generative AI chatbot at a fraction of the cost and time required by the market leaders. The news raises important questions for investors about the implications for the technology sector, given that the AI theme has powered stock markets in recent years. The Nasdaq index fell 3% on Monday and shares of some AI-related companies were down much more. DeepSeek, a Chinese AI startup, has reportedly developed large language models (LLMs) comparable to market leaders, but at significantly lower training costs. If accurate, this could imply reduced demand for high-performance semiconductors required for the computational workloads associated with AI. However, this conclusion hinges…

It sometimes takes a perfect storm to run a successful business in today’s economy and many are sometimes not fully equipped to take on the challenges that come in the small and medium enterprises (SME) environment. Young businesswoman, Bahumi Mhlongo, recognised this gap and stepped into her own spotlight as a motivational and professional speaker, inspiring others with her authenticity, spiritual growth, and drive. She represents the voice of a new generation, as South African SMEs comprise 91% of formalised businesses, providing approximately 60% of employment and contributes as much as 34% to the gross domestic product. Her journey as a young woman navigating life in the public eye, her growth as a speaker, and her aspirations for 2025 connects to her upcoming event, “Speak & Be Heard,” happening…

The start of 2025 has been a see-saw for South African consumers, with fuel prices increasing for the first two months, while the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) announced a cut in interest rates this past week. SARB Governor Lesetja Kganyago on Thursday announced that the central bank will cut the repo rate by 25 basis points, meaning rates will drop by 0.25%. This means that the repo rate will come down from 7.75% to 7.50% while the prime lending rate decreases from 11.50% to 11.25%. Kganyago said during his address, “At our last meeting, we warned about a more challenging global environment. Some of the risks we saw then have since materialised. In particular, the outlook for monetary policy in the United States has changed. The space for rate…

The vibrant streets of Soweto, Khayelitsha and Umlazi have long echoed the rhythms and melodies that have shaped the very essence of South African music. These townships, often viewed through the lens of struggle and resilience, have birthed iconic musicians whose talents have resonated far beyond their hometowns, transforming the music scene not only in South Africa but globally. The legacy of music in these townships is profoundly tied to the experiences of their communities, reflecting both hardship and the spirit of defiance against the odds. Below, we shine a light on some legendary figures whose contributions have shaped the South African music scene and beyond. Soweto, known for its historical significance during the apartheid regime, is home to artists like: Yvonne Chaka Chaka Yvonne Chaka Chaka stands as a…

South African actress and media personality Denise Zimba recently shared a personal experience on social media, revealing that her ex-husband, Jakob Schlichtig, allegedly had an affair with her childhood best friend. This revelation has sparked discussions about betrayal, trust and the emotional toll such situations can take. Zimba disclosed on X that her best friend, whom she had been close to since the age of 14, was allegedly involved with her former partner. This emotional confession raises questions about how betrayal within friendships and relationships impacts mental health and where one should direct one’s anger in such situations. Independent Media Lifestyle chatted with Aniqa Johnson, a South African HPCSA-registered counsellor, for insights into managing the fallout from betrayal. When faced with such a betrayal, one of the most difficult…