The BLSA Hub

By Busi Mavuso

Thankfully, government didn’t hit the panic button in response to the sudden outbreak of the Omicron variant and President Cyril Ramaphosa’s commitment on Sunday to charting a course for mandatory vaccinations where appropriate is an important step in our war against the virus.

South Africa experiences a sharp increase in crime during the festive season. This is attributed to the remarkable increase of cash volumes which leads to armed robberies, burglaries and CIT heists.

By Busi Mavuso

Clearly the fight against this pandemic is far from over. We need to fight it on the health front, but we also need to fight the economic consequences it inflicts.

By Busi Mavuso

We are in an emergency situation and everything possible needs to be done to secure our energy supply fast. The longer we live with insufficient supply, the smaller our economy will be, and the fewer the jobs and tax revenue that can be generated.

By Busi Mavuso

Among our many problems, we face a water and sanitation crisis with failing wastewater treatment and subsequent pollution of the country’s water resources a particular problem, prompting the SA Human Rights Commission to declare it a national disaster.

By Busi Mavuso
The effects of surging global inflation arrived on our shores with a major jolt through the R1.21/litre hike in the petrol price early this month, taking it to a record high. Combined with the jarring 15% hike in electricity prices this year, consumers are being hit hard.  

By Busi Mavuso

The medium-term budget policy statement two weeks ago showed more evidence that debt is being brought under control and that Treasury is keeping a firm hand on spending. This is all the more important because the calls for Treasury to open the taps, particularly on welfare spending, have been loud and incessant.

By Busi Mavuso

The feasibility of reforming the bid window process should be explored, with renewable energy to be procured on an ongoing basis as the situation demands.

By Busi Mavuso

On behalf of Business Leadership SA, I congratulate finance minister Godongwana for delivering a credible and disciplined first #MTBPS2021 in parliament.

BLSA is extremely concerned about the impact of load shedding on the economy. It has affected business operations across the country, as well as ordinary citizens, including students sitting for their final exams.