Star 2025-07-21

FlySafair is poised for significant flight disruptions in the next two weeks following a decision to lock out around 200 pilots for seven days on the back of industrial action starting on Monday. This drastic move comes on the heels of an overwhelming 90% of the airline's pilots voting in favour of a strike over a wage dispute, igniting a standoff that could see the aviation landscape of South Africa affected for up to two weeks. The turmoil began when Solidarity, the union representing FlySafair's pilots, issued a notice of a one-day strike intended to bring the airline back to the negotiation table. However, the situation escalated when FlySafair responded with its own announcement of a seven-day lockout, which could extend for an additional week if the standoff remains unresolved.…

The Third Meeting of the G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors (FMCBG) has committed to international policy cooperation, aimed at further promoting global prosperity. The gathering, which brought together finance leaders from the world's 20 largest economies, tackled critical shared challenges that have persisted in the wake of economic disruptions exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, rising geopolitical tensions, and sustainability concerns. During the discussions, which spanned two days, participants acknowledged the need for collaborative solutions that not only address immediate economic challenges but also lay the groundwork for long-term resilience and growth. The finance ministers and central bank governors recognised that only through coordinated efforts can nations effectively manage global economic uncertainties and ensure inclusive development. “FMCBG recognised the challenges posed by conflicts, geopolitical and trade tensions, disruptions to…

Trump’s statement triggers panic for countries trading with Russia, including South Africa The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (dtic) has sought to allay concerns regarding South Africa's trading relationship with Russia in the wake of US President Donald Trump’s recent tariff ultimatum. Following Trump’s statement that US imports from Russia could face a staggering 100% tariff if peace talks regarding the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict do not bear fruit within 50 days, worries have mounted over what this means for countries engaging in commerce with Russia, including South Africa. Russia produces 10% of the world’s crude, and it has been able to sell oil through discounted sales to China, India, Brazil and Turkey. According to the International Energy Agency Russia earned $192 billion from oil sales last year despite western…

The National Treasury has fired back that the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), saying that it has allocated an additional R10 billion to its R57.2bn budget in the 2025/26 financial year. This comes after Navy Admiral Monde Lobese launched a scathing attack against the Treasury last week, accusing it of sabotaging the operational capacity of the SANDF through inadequate budget allocations. Lobese's appearance before the Joint Standing on Defence on Friday was initially intended to address ongoing disputes between the SANDF and Amscor related to constrained procurement processes. However, it quickly evolved into a broader critique of the Treasury's budgeting practices, which he claims have long stifled the SANDF's ability to fulfil its mandate. "National Treasury can't be allowed to be a super-department or a government on its own…

On August 1, 2025, South African exporters will wake up to a 30% tariff on all goods entering the United States, a decision announced by the administration of President Donald Trump. This is not a sector-specific sanction, nor the outcome of any formal trade dispute. It is a sweeping penalty imposed on all products, citing trade imbalances and regulatory barriers imposed by South Africa. But this is not the end of trade. It is the beginning of South Africa’s trade adolescence, the moment we decide to grow up or continue being disciplined by our “partners.” The justification provided by the US administration rests on the claim that South Africa runs a trade surplus with the United States. In truth, South Africa exported around R170 billion worth of goods to…

The KwaZulu-Natal Agricultural Union (Kwanalu) has intensified its calls for KwaZulu-Natal to be declared a disaster area, with concerns growing over the escalating Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) outbreak that threatens the province’s livestock sector. As the outbreak tightens its grip, affecting both rural families reliant on livestock for survival and established agribusinesses, Kwanalu believes urgent intervention is critical. In a statement released last week, Kwanalu underscored the dire situation faced by farmers across the province. Sandy La Marque, CEO of Kwanalu, said they were witnessing intense pressure across the board. La Marque said that in many rural communities, the sale of a single animal was a family’s only financial lifeline, but with movement restrictions in place, many find themselves caught between survival and legality. “Some of the country’s most…