North West Premier appoints two esteemed professors from NWU in his new advisory council

North West Premier Lazarus Kagiso Mokgosi has appointed Professor Raymond Parsons and Professor Mokgadi Molope from the North-West University (NWU) as members of the provincial Economic and Investment Advisory Council (EIAC). The announcement comes at a critical period in the developmental trajectory of the province,…

CPI figures set the table for lower interest rates

Much better news on the inflation front has continued to emerge with the July statistics, with a significant drop in the inflation rate from the June level.  

Prof Raymond Parsons, economist…

Disappointing unemployment figures reinforce urgency for higher, job-rich growth

Not unexpectedly, the latest unemployment figures for the second quarter of 2024 rose to 33,5% against the background of previous weak economic data that negatively influenced job creation.

In commenting on the release of the Quarterly Labour Force Survey for the second quarter of 2024 by Statistics SA, Prof Raymond Parsons, economist…

Growth prospects will strengthen if policy uncertainty recedes

Not unexpectedly, for the seventh time, the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) decided by a four to two majority vote (as opposed to a unanimous decision in May) to again keep interest rates unchanged for now.

In commenting on this decision of 18 July, Prof Raymond Parsons, economist from the North-…

Is our future political economy fit for purpose?

The North-West University (NWU) Business School held a think tank on Monday, 8 July, titled SA’s future economy – is it fit for purpose? Prof Piet Croucamp, political analyst and affiliate of the NWU Business School, served as moderator and the panellists comprised Prof Raymond Parsons, Wandile Sihlobo and Christo van der Rheede.

Van…

GNU Cabinet must outline economic agenda to ensure greater policy certainty

The much-anticipated announcement by President Cyril Ramaphosa of the new Government of National Unity (GNU) Cabinet is, on the whole, good for business and investor confidence.

Prof Raymond Parsons, economist from the NWU Business School, says the markets are likely to respond positively as they digest the new mix of Cabinet…

The NWU Business School is taking a stand against corruption

The facts are irrefutable: South Africa is a country rife with corruption that is undermining our democratically elected institutions and hampering our economic growth. Corruption is not a disease in this country, it is a pandemic. But, for every disease there is a possible cure and pandemics can be curtailed. The North-West University (NWU)…

Stable GNU together with policy certainty will maximise business confidence

After having held highly successful free, fair and peaceful watershed elections on 29 May, South Africa has now embarked on the formation of a Government of National Unity (GNU) to navigate an election outcome in which no single party achieved a majority. To manage the new political dynamics and provide stability, a GNU is now being formed.…

South Africa must conquer low-growth trap to successfully tackle challenges

The negative gross domestic product (GDP) growth figure of -0,1% quarter on quarter again reflects how difficult it has been for the economy to gain momentum in the recent past.

In commenting on the GDP figures released by Stats SA on 4 June, Prof Raymond Parsons, economist from the North-West University (NWU) Business School, says…

Coalition governance embodies both risks and opportunities

“Against the background of the interim results thus far of the country’s pivotal 2024 elections, South Africa is for now in uncharted and uncertain waters, which is reflected in the initial reaction of the financial markets and the rand.”

Prof Raymond Parsons, economist from the North-West University (NWU) Business School, says while…