Avile_Matti

After a busy start to the year – including a new president, the tabling of the 2018 budget, and a cabinet reshuffle – South Africans have now begun to assess what these changes mean for them and their pockets going forward. The recent changes are a strong reminder that not only are predictions difficult, but the unknowns may have the most significant impact. By definition these cannot be anticipated, but is there anything we think we should look out for in 2018? Laid out are the four biggest factors that are set to change the economy and the rand in the coming months. Ramaphosa: the election of Cyril Ramaphosa as president was viewed as being a net positive for the economy – as seen with the appreciation of the rand following the ANC conference and again with the appointment as state president. Rand volatility: The current view is that historical valuations suggest that the rand may be undervalued and may continue to strengthen as a result. Equities: An i...

In an ideal world, trade would be governed by the doctrines of Adam Smith and David Ricardo. International specialisation and comparative advantage would lead to more efficient production, stronger growth and higher living standards. Countries would unilaterally tear down the barriers to trade. But this is not the way the world actually works. Trade is managed rather than free. Donald Trump pushed forward with plans to impose tariffs on steel and aluminium imports on Thursday, arguing the levies were necessary for national security and to stop the “assault on our country”. Flanked by steel and aluminium workers and key staff, Trump said he had to act to stop the “decimation of entire communities” and insisted there would be a very fair process as the administration used the next 15 days to negotiate exemptions with allies. Canada and Mexico will be exempted. So basically this simply means that it will be difficult for companies that export aluminium and steel in South Afri...

You probably anticipated the January matric results with a positive spirit while simultaneously wondering how you will  handle the daunting pressure that comes with university . Now many people have been brainwashed to think that university is hard, I won't lie it's not easy. However it's not as hard as many people exaggerate, you probably know by now that university comes with independence, freedom entertainment, parties etc. Whilst such things can bring high hopes to the students, they can also be a distraction to their academic studies. Nonetheless such things can be managed through prioritising, committing to their studies, taking responsibility, proper planning and not letting procrastination defeat oneself. At times this is not always easy as one is faced with so many challenges that being to adjust to the new learning environment completely different from high school, having to settle in a place far away from home and taking responsibility for their...

I'm still wondering how it actually came about that this man who undergone recruiting processes and background research by human resource manage to pull it through and be employed for a job that paid him a salary of about 2m per year while not qualified. It is said that the alleged man ( Hlaudi Motsoeneng ) who lacked a matric certificate has been working as an acting officer over SABC acting chief operations, oh well!  I'm pretty sure you can imagine how demanding that position can be for somebody who doesn't even own a matric certificate! Two scenarios come to mind; One: a poor parent in a shack in telling her child to study hard for their matric exams, as this is the only real hope out of poverty only to see a report in the newspaper about a matric-less individual earning this much. Two: a recent unemployed Bcompt graduate poring over job advertisement in the Sunday newspaper only to find out again a matric-less man paid this much...

As it has been said before that education is the passport to the future and tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today, I believe that education for us blacks is the only way out of poverty. When strikes occur at universities lecturing is often put on hold making it difficult for both students and lectures to finish syllabus on time. Students are forced to vacant campuses with immediate effect as they could be affected when violence occurs. This strikes often take longer and by the time classes resume students have too much on their plates, there's a lot of work to be done and exams near the corner. Violent resulting to strikes often leaves the university property squashed and ruined, taking a toll on students well being. Statistics shows that strikes in universities occur every single year and they are going to continue as long as students issues are left unattained. Universities are a place of tertiary education where students de...

A congratulations to our president(Cyril Ramaphosa) for making it and winning the votes. I believe in him, as a young south African I think its up to him now to create new opportunities for us as well as all other unemployed persons who are qualified and looking for jobs. Soon enough I too will be joining the taxpayers world and I don't wanna be stuck with my degree with no job. Its very excruciating for young persons who have graduated from their universities only to find out that there are no jobs out there. His speech reported on the 14th of November 2017 was very soulful and stirring. He is on about planning to fix our economy by targeting a 3% GDP growth this year and continuing to increase by 5% by year 2023. This radical transformation in our country will take place in places like Soweto, which were neglected during apartheid, where its effect will most keenly be felt. It is in these areas that young and black entrepreneurs will emerge, new busin...