Cost convergence triggers consumer shock

The better-than-expected headline inflation of 3% in February is welcome, but has now already been overtaken by a highly negative inflationary outlook.

In commenting on this easing in the CPI from 3,5% in January, Prof. Raymond Parsons, economist from the North-West University (NWU) Business School, says it is no longer only the…

Why South Africa needs fewer, stronger municipalities

The South African municipal landscape is not collapsing in a single moment of crisis. It is eroding in slow motion.

Prof. Joseph Sekhampu, chief director of the NWU Business School

By Prof. Joseph Sekhampu, chief director of the NWU Business School.

Hundreds of local…

Escalating Middle East conflict raises oil price risks for South Africa

The recent escalation in the United States/Israeli war with Iran has now injected new urgency into assessing the economic and business implications for countries like South Africa.

Prof. Raymond Parsons, economist of the North-West University (NWU) Business School, says with the Brent crude oil price opening at over $100 a barrel this…

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,…