Closing of ArcelorMittal is a heavy blow for the future of manufacturing

By Gofaone Motsamai

The decline of ArcelorMittal’s operations represents more than a corporate failure; it is a warning of the fragility of South Africa’s productive capacity and the urgent need to restore the country’s industrial base and get back to producing steel.

This decline took centre stage when…

NWU Business School to host the 2026 International Conference on Green and Sustainable Development

The North-West University (NWU) Business School proudly announces that it will host the 2026 International Conference on Green and Sustainable Development (ICGSD) from 8 to 12 March 2026 at the Protea Hotel, Stellenbosch, Cape Town.

Themed “Reimagining innovation pathways for sustainability: research, practice and policy…

The 10-point plan and the politics of coordination

By Prof Joseph Sekhampu

When President Cyril Ramaphosa announced the 10-Point Economic Action Plan at the ANC’s gathering, the nation sighed – not in defiance but in weary recognition. We have become a people fluent in reform but starved of renewal. The plan promised decisive action to reset growth, fix energy…

The state is not failing; it is functioning exactly as designed

By Prof Joseph Sekhampu

For millions of South Africans, the struggle for water, electricity or safety has become routine. The queues for basic services grow longer, while those in power grow richer. It feels like chaos, yet what if this dysfunction is not a sign of failure, but…

A dialogue for South Africa’s renewal: Lessons from the past, challenges of the present

By Gofaone Motsamai

Thirty years ago, South Africans gathered around negotiation tables to confront a painful history and chart a democratic future. It was a time of uncertainty, but also of hope, as political enemies discovered the power of dialogue to dismantle apartheid and build a Constitution admired across…

Minority MPC view was the better judgement call

As was widely expected, the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) decided (by a 4 to 2 vote) on 18 September to again pause its interest rate easing cycle for now.

In commenting on this decision, Prof Raymond Parsons, economist from the North-West University (NWU) Business School, says the MPC saw the…

Incipient economic recovery has accelerated

The latest gross domestic product (GDP) figures released by StatsSA on 9 September are much better news on the growth front than we have received for some time.

Prof Raymond Parsons, economist from the North-West University (NWU) Business School, says that, as was broadly expected, the GDP figures for the second quarter of 2025 confirm…

Pitso 2025.5: Operation Vulindlela shows promise despite obstacles

South Africa's bold economic reform initiative, Operation Vulindlela (OV), is gaining momentum as it enters its second phase. Government officials are promoting significant progress in tackling the deep-rooted issues holding back the country’s economy.

The programme focuses on improving key services like electricity, water, transport,…

Aggressive tariff policy creates fragmented world trading system

The 30% tariff decision by the United States is not good news for the South African economy, and its potentially negative economic impact should not be underestimated.

Prof Raymond Parsons, economist from the North-West University (NWU) Business School, says while not unexpected, the decision creates a challenging economic headwind for…

Experts debate the fiscal future of South Africa

A lively panel of experts provided a critical analysis of Minister Enoch Godongwana's Budget address during the Pitso 2025.4 discussion of the North-West University (NWU) Business School. These experts advocated for significant changes to the way South Africa creates and oversees its national budget, calling for transparency and accountability…