NWU Business School
Heightened uncertainty underscores the need for accelerated structural reforms
The good news is that, compared with gross domestic product (GDP) growth rates of 0,8% and 0,5% in 2023 and 2024, respectively, growth improved to 1,1% in 2025.
Prof. Raymond Parsons, economist from the North-West University (NWU) Business School, says the latest figures for 2025 that were released by StatsSA confirm that South Africa…
US-Israel attack on Iran expected to impact oil prices
South Africa must not underestimate the potential negative economic and business implications that could yet unfold for many economies as a result of the United States (US)-Israel attack on Iran.
Prof. Raymond Parsons, economist from the North-West University (NWU) Business School, says although it is still early days in the conflict,…
Budget 2026: Stabilisation in a slow-growth economy
The 2026 Budget positions itself as a moment of stabilisation after a decade of fiscal strain.
Prof. Joseph Sekhampu, chief director of the NWU Business School
By Prof. Joseph Sekhampu, chief director of the NWU Business School.
The…
2026 Budget: Challenge remains to ensure that growth-friendly policies are translated into reality
The overall welcome impact of the 2026 Budget, introduced in Parliament on 25 February, on the economy will be positive and confidence-building. The markets will also price in what is a “good news” Budget in favourable fiscal circumstances.
Prof. Raymond Parsons, economist from the North-West University (NWU) Business School, says…
The threat of new tariffs remains real
The decision by the United States (US) Supreme Court that President Donald Trump’s reciprocal tariffs are illegal is a welcome respite for many countries, including South Africa, who have had to grapple with an aggressive US tariff policy in recent times.
Prof. Raymond Parsons, economist from the North-West University (NWU) Business…
The labour market as a lagging indicator of political settlement
By Prof. Joseph Sekhampu, chief director of the NWU Business School.
Every society organises its economy around a set of implicit bargains about power, access, and reward. Those bargains determine who enters markets easily, who must navigate layers of permission, who receives protection, and who absorbs risk.…
Outcome of SONA depends on commitment to implement plans
In the usual wide-ranging State of the Nation Address (SONA) President Cyril Ramaphosa emphasised the extent to which South Africa is now at a turning point and needs to capitalise on recent positive developments to build a much bigger, stronger and better economy.
In commenting on the SONA of 12 February, Prof. Raymond Parsons,…
State of the Nation in the Age of Private Substitution
By Prof Joseph Sekhampu, chief director of the NWU Business School
Imagine a state-of-the-nation address delivered without triumph or ceremony. The President rises, not to announce renewal, but to offer thanks. He thanks the households for installing solar panels that kept the…
Lower borrowing costs are still likely
The 4 to 2 majority decision by the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) on 29 January to pause its interest rate easing cycle and leave the repo rate unchanged for now was widely expected.
Prof. Raymond Parsons, economist from the North-West University (NWU) Business School, says the MPC majority view provided a plausible case as to why it…
The Future of BEE in a Changing South Africa
Prof. Joseph Sekhampu
The debate over BEE has entered a familiar but increasingly brittle phase. One side argues that, more than thirty years into democracy, empowerment has overstayed its welcome and should be scrapped. The other insists that…