The Weekly Wrap: 24 - 28 Feb 2025

The Weekly: VAT HIKE SCRAPPED

This week on The Weekly Wrap: A political about-turn unfolds while South Africa sleeps. The planned VAT increase, set to take effect on 1 May, has been abruptly cancelled. I unpack what happened behind the scenes, what it means for the national budget, and why this midnight move matters.

The Weekly: 2025 South African Budget Speech

In this episode of The Weekly, I break down the key highlights from the 2025 South African Budget Speech, delivered by the Finance Minister. I dive into the proposed VAT increase, adjustments to personal income tax, social grant increases, and the country’s growing public debt. I also explore the impact of tax revenue shortfalls, the funding for National Health Insurance, and the rise in sin taxes. Finally, I take a look at what happens next in the approval process as the budget moves through Parliament, from debates in the National Assembly to final approval by the President. Tune in for a comprehensive look at the fiscal roadmap ahead for South Africa.

The Weekly Wrap: 24 - 28 Feb 2025

This week on The Weekly Wrap, we break down the biggest stories shaping South Africa and the world. From Eskom suspending load shedding (for now) to Google being ordered to pay SA news publishers, we look at the stories making waves locally. We also unpack the HIV/AIDS treatment crisis, the EFF’s call for a wealth tax, and Steven Kitshoff’s retirement from rugby. Globally, we cover the latest Hamas-Israel prisoner exchange talks, the US-Ukraine minerals deal, and the three-year mark of the Russia-Ukraine war. Plus, Katy Perry’s upcoming space mission! Stay informed, stay engaged, and catch up on all you need to know—wrapped up.

The Weekly Wrap: 26 - 31 January 2025

This week, I break down the biggest stories shaping South Africa and the world. From the ANC’s push to enforce the Expropriation Act to the looming electricity tariff hikes, I unpack what these changes mean for everyday South Africans. I also dive into the latest on South Africa’s role in the DRC conflict and the funding crisis hitting NGOs after the USAID freeze. On the global front, I take a look at Donald Trump’s latest executive orders—because of course, there are plenty—including his controversial immigration policies and the expansion of Guantanamo Bay’s migrant center. I also unpack Russia’s shifting diplomatic strategy in Ukraine, the cracks forming in Gaza’s fragile ceasefire, and how China’s AI breakthrough sent Wall Street into a panic. It’s your essential end-of-week news roundup—you won’t want to miss it!

The Weekly Wrap: 20 - 24 January 2024

This week on The Weekly Wrap, I dive into the top stories shaping South Africa and the world. From the sweltering heatwave in the Western Cape to Cyril Ramaphosa’s diplomatic strides at the World Economic Forum, we unpack the biggest headlines locally. I also explore South Africa’s record-low mining fatalities, the ongoing challenges with illegal mining, and Microsoft’s ambitious plan to train 1 million South Africans in AI and cybersecurity. On the global front, we take a closer look at President Donald Trump’s sweeping executive orders during the opening days of his second term and their far-reaching implications. We also explore Russia’s subtle diplomatic shifts amid the Ukraine war, a fragile ceasefire in Gaza, and rising tensions in the West Bank. Plus, ChatGPT’s brief but dramatic outage showed just how much we rely on AI to get through the day. It’s your essential end-of-week news roundup—don’t miss it!