Calm before the storm for South Africa
South Africa’s economy may have surprised on the upside in the first quarter of 2026, but the impacts of the Iran War are only likely to be felt in upcoming economic data releases. The nation’s GDP rose by 0.5% quarter-on-quarter and moved closer to 2% year-on-year. Sam BusaURL
More interest rate pain coming for South Africa
South Africa’s central bank suggested another interest-rate increase could be warranted this year because of the fallout from the Iran war, while highlighting risks the conflict poses to financial stability. “The South African Reserve Bank’s Quarterly Projection Model, which pointed to rate cuts in 2026 prior to the Middle East conflict, now suggests another rate […]
SARS is coming after employers in South Africa
South African employers are facing a major payroll compliance crackdown as SARS ramps up audits, data-driven enforcement, and scrutiny of fringe benefits, travel allowances, fuel cards and other common payroll practices. This follows the appointment of Dr Ngobani Johnstone Makhubu as the new Commissioner of the South African Revenue Service (SARS), explained Tax Consulting SA’s […]
Social unrest warning for South Africa
On a thoroughfare that usually throbs with music, shouted bargains and the bustle of downtown Johannesburg, the metal shutters on the shops are closed. Police patrol the Smal Street Mall, where an operation targeting undocumented migrants forced outlets offering everything from Mozambican fabrics to Nigerian cosmetics to shut. Sam BusaURL
Business leaders send an urgent warning to Ramaphosa
Business groups say the collapse of Johannesburg is a national economic emergency that needs to be urgently resolved. In an open statement appealing to President Cyril Ramaphosa, the national government and political parties, major business groups have united in a call to stem Joburg’s decline and rebuild the city. Sam BusaURL
Petrol price in South Africa hits record high
South African motorists filling up with petrol from 3 June 2026 will be paying the highest price on record for the fuel. While the short-term driver behind the elevated petrol price has been the conflict in the Middle East, there are significant long-term factors that are in South Africa’s control. Sam BusaURL
Investigations reveal undocumented migrants working on municipal outsourcing contracts
Investigations reveal undocumented migrants working on municipal outsourcing contracts The government is facing mounting pressure to accelerate the passage of the Employment Services Amendment Bill and the Draft National Labour Migration Policy amid intensifying protests over foreign nationals, both documented and undocumented, allegedly taking jobs from locals. Sam BusaURL
South Africans selling their Krugerrands hit with nasty SARS surprise
South Africans selling Krugerrands without proper supporting documentation could face disputes with the South African Revenue Service (SARS) and potentially unfavourable tax outcomes as the agency tightens its verification processes. This warning comes from Tax Consulting SA’s Expatriate Tax Team Manager, Lambert Roberts, and Tax Consultant, Thulisile Zwane. Sam BusaURL
Give ‘MAGA a try’ | US escalates war of words with Lamola
Relations between Pretoria and Washington sank to a new low on Friday after a US government department accused SA of failing its people, while politicians get richer and more citizens look overseas for a better future. The remarks come days after International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola told Parliament the Make America Great Again […]
War is brewing in South Africa
South Africa is facing growing tensions over illegal immigration, with civil society organisations and community groups warning that the country could see further unrest if the situation is not brought under control. The concern follows a series of protests, confrontations and allegations of intimidation targeting foreign nationals in parts of the country, particularly in Durban. […]