South

In a significant move to invigorate local economies, the South African government has initiated applications for the R500-million Spaza Shop Support Fund (SSSF). This initiative aims to enhance the sustainability and growth of spaza shops—those familiar neighborhood convenience stores that serve as lifelines for township and rural communities. During a recent announcement, Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Parks Tau, highlighted the transformative potential of this fund. “We are committed to empowering our…

On June 3rd, South Korea will conduct its presidential election, as announced by the acting president following the removal of former leader Yoon Suk Yeol, who faced impeachment following a controversial declaration of martial law. Since December, the nation has been without a clear leader, a situation that arose when Mr. Yoon attempted to undermine civilian governance, leading to his swift impeachment by the National Assembly. In a decisive ruling last week, the Constitutional Court upheld his impeachment, permanently…

South Sudan recently characterized the US decision to revoke visas as both unfair and politically motivated. This controversy can be traced back to an incident involving a Congolese national. South Sudan argues that this individual, rather than its own citizens, initiated the diplomatic kerfuffle that ultimately drew Washington’s reproach. This situation leads us to ponder: How often do misunderstandings in global affairs stem from misidentified individuals?…

Edited By Ali Musa Axadle Times International–Monitoring. In a realm where policy meets innovation, a significant discourse has emerged in South Africa, underscoring the intricate dance between local regulations and global tech giants. On an otherwise unremarkable Monday, the landscape of South Africa's communication sector was thrust into the spotlight. "Why?" one might ask. The answer weaves a tale of ambition, regulation, and yes, even Elon Musk. A senior lawmaker in South Africa raised the alarm, pointing a…

The United States' Stance on South Sudanese Visas: A Critical Approach In an unexpected move, the United States has disclosed its intention to cancel all visas associated with South Sudanese passport holders. The rationale behind this drastic decision? South Sudan's continued noncompliance regarding the acceptance of their citizens who have faced repatriation. One might wonder, what implications does this decision hold for both nations? This announcement couldn't come at a more tumultuous time for Africa's…

In a significant turn of events, thousands of demonstrators in South Korea's capital have come together to express their support for the recently ousted ex-president, Yoon Suk Yeol. His removal from office followed a contentious martial law declaration that was deemed inadequate, leading to fresh political uncertainty. The nation’s Constitutional Court reached a unanimous decision on Friday, resulting in Mr. Yoon's dismissal due to his attempts on December 3 to undermine civilian governance. This ruling paves the way for…

A Thorny Path for U.S. and South Africa Relations The global landscape has always been unpredictable, but when it comes to trade dynamics, the stakes are indeed high. Among the countries feeling the heat of new tariffs, South Africa stands out, grappling with significant economic impacts due to recent U.S. policies. The imposition of a 30% tariff on all exports to the United States has left many South African businesses in a state of flux. "There are all sorts of knee-jerk reactions to the announcements…

Across South Africa, an outpouring of voices rose in unison as thousands of students, activists, and concerned citizens took to the streets. Their rallying cry? Justice for a seven-year-old girl from the Eastern Cape, who suffered the unimaginable—a rape committed within the supposed safety of her school in October 2024. It’s a moment that has sparked outrage and galvanized a nation. The protesters weren’t merely expressing anger; they delivered heartfelt memoranda to education officials, demanding immediate action. Calls…

In today's fast-paced world, where business is continuously evolving, cash remains a significant force in South Africa. However, it's not just about the coins and notes you hold in your hand. The landscape of financing is lush with an array of options ripe for the picking. Have you ever considered the plethora of government grants that are just waiting for innovative businesses to apply? Not to mention, the digital loan ecosystem is expanding, making the process of securing a business loan in South Africa a more accessible…

Imagine this: you are an aspiring entrepreneur in South Africa, armed with a groundbreaking idea but lacking the necessary funds to lift your dream off the ground. The quest to secure financing brings you face-to-face with a longstanding barrier—conventional banks. According to McKinsey, some banks hold onto antiquated requirements. They insist that SMEs must have an existing relationship, either through lending or transactional banking, to even think about funding. Inevitably, this leaves newly minted businesses out in…