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SA automotive sector faces pressure as wage talks stall and production outlook weakens

Banele GinindzaSouth Africa’s automotive manufacturing industry is facing renewed strain amid stalled wage negotiations between employers and unions, with industry leaders warning that 2025 production levels could fall short of last year’s already subdued output.The National Association of Automotive Component and Allied Manufacturers (NAACAM) on Friday said vehicle production is…
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South Africa accelerates economic reforms as Operation Vulindlela gains momentum

South Africa’s ambitious reform drive under Operation Vulindlela gained significant traction in the second quarter of 2025/26, with notable progress in the energy, logistics, and digital transformation sectors, according to the latest progress report released on Friday.The government’s structural reform initiative — jointly coordinated by the Presidency and the National…
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As banks close branches, Africa’s unbanked face a digital divide

South Africa’s major banks are closing physical branches and ATMs at an unprecedented rate. Standard Bank, for example, has reduced its branch footprint by 42% since 2017, while Absa, FNB, and Nedbank have also scaled back operations. The industry is clearly moving towards digital-first banking. But this transformation raises an urgent question: how will the 3.9 million unbanked…
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How BNPL is changing shopping habits

South African consumers are no longer waiting until the last week of November to hunt for bargains. With Black Friday now a month-long event, shoppers start eyeing deals as early as October. Larger retailers are expected to roll out bigger-ticket offers earlier, too. While this may pull some spending away…
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