The Layman
Business | Economics | Politics
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3–5 minutesGet ready for a bumpy ride ahead – VAT increase, stealth tax and rising electricity prices
Read More →: Get ready for a bumpy ride ahead – VAT increase, stealth tax and rising electricity pricesSouth Africans are about to face several financial challenges in the coming months as taxes and tariffs increase. The biggest concern is that the proposed increase in VAT (value-added tax) has distracted people from more pressing issues. Not only will…
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3–5 minutesTough times ahead: Some useful money-saving tips
Read More →: Tough times ahead: Some useful money-saving tipsIt takes a no-brainer to realize that South African citizens have a poor savings culture. A large portion of their disposable income is consumed in debt repayments. This is also evidenced by the relatively high ratio of household debt to…
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3–5 minutesRand Manipulation: Some Far-Reaching Currency Impacts
Read More →: Rand Manipulation: Some Far-Reaching Currency ImpactsWithout getting into the facts of the matter, currency manipulation has far-reaching effects on the major economic participants such as consumers, businesses, and the government. Some important aspects to note about this topic are stated below. Simply put, the Rand…
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2–3 minutesUnpopular Opinion About Interest rates
Read More →: Unpopular Opinion About Interest ratesInterest rates have went up in South Africa with the repo rate sitting at 7% and it might as well be the right time to buy that car or house. Sounds ironic right? Here’s the logic – periods of lower…
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2–3 minutesThe cost of living in South Africa: how does it compare a decade ago?
Read More →: The cost of living in South Africa: how does it compare a decade ago?The cost of living in South Africa is undoubtedly skyrocketing. Statistics South Africa (StatsSA) indicated in its 2021 statistics that annual consumer inflation increased to 5.9% in December 2021, the highest in almost 5 years. The factors attributed to the…
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4–5 minutesThe economy-wide effects of higher petrol prices
Read More →: The economy-wide effects of higher petrol pricesThe Automobile Association of South Africa recently announced an increase in petroleum prices, citing the combination of a weaker rand and an increase in the international Brent crude oil price. This is the third consecutive increase in petroleum prices in…
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2–3 minutesThe economic impact of recent lootings in South Africa
Read More →: The economic impact of recent lootings in South AfricaThe ongoing local protests and widespread looting have taken the country by storm. Although many believed the protests were about the unfair conviction of the former president “Jacob Zuma”, it has now become evident that the protests are somewhat a…
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3–4 minutes“Junk Status” Explained in Layman terms
Read More →: “Junk Status” Explained in Layman termsLike credit scores, sovereign credit ratings have become a common feature in the credit market and our daily lives. A sovereign credit rating is an assessment of a country’s creditworthiness or ability to repay its debt. The government borrows money…
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3–5 minutesAn Overview of Basic Investment Vehicles in Layman terms
Read More →: An Overview of Basic Investment Vehicles in Layman termsWealth generation has become a common buzzword in the 21st century. This is partly due to the high standard of living as well as the fact that individuals have unlimited needs and wants, for which a basic salary or wage,…
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5–8 minutesA Dialogue with Young Business Leaders – Meet Tlou, Dineo and Sithembiso
Read More →: A Dialogue with Young Business Leaders – Meet Tlou, Dineo and SithembisoHow did you generate your business concept? I was inspired by an article I read on the high unemployment rate in South Africa as well as the opportunities provided by the hospitality industry. Thus, upon completing my matric studies, I…
