South Africa’s 2026 national budget has redrawn the financial landscape for households, businesses and investors, as Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana outlined a plan that combines selective tax relief with higher levies on consumption. Improved revenue position reshapes spending outlook Presenting the budget in Cape Town on 25 February, Godongwana pointed to a stronger macroeconomic position…
South Africa’s 2026 Budget introduced a significant but relatively understated reform to the country’s foreign exchange framework, increasing the annual discretionary offshore transfer allowance for residents from R1 million to R2 million. The change means that compliant taxpayers may now move up to R2 million abroad each calendar year through authorised banks without first obtaining…
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is paying his official visit to China from Feb 25 to 26, with Hangzhou serving as the second stop on his itinerary. Ola Källenius, CEO of Mercedes-Benz Group AG said: “This is one of the places that you need to be if you want to integrate with technology companies.”（Zhejiang International Communication…
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz continued his official visit to China in Hangzhou with senior executives from around 30 leading German companies, on Feb 26. Oliver Zipse, CEO of Bayerische Motoren Werke AG said: “Cooperation with Chinese companies is almost the normality for us.”（Zhejiang International Communication Center）
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz met Zhejiang entrepreneurs in Hangzhou on Feb 26 with senior executives from around 30 leading German companies. The entrepreneurs expressed their hope and confidence in strengthening cooperation between Chinese and German companies.（Zhejiang International Communication Center）
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz paid an official visit to China from February 25 to 26. During his stay in Hangzhou, the German delegation engaged with several Chinese companies. Chancellor Merz visited Unitree Robotics and Siemens Energy. Follow ZICC for a full recap of his Hangzhou itinerary.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is paying his official visit to China from Feb 25 to 26, with Hangzhou serving as the second stop on his itinerary. He was accompanied by senior executives from around 30 leading German companies, spanning key sectors in which Germany holds strong advantages, including automotive, chemicals, biopharmaceuticals, and machinery manufacturing. Many…
Foundation phase identified as critical pressure point South Africa’s literacy challenge remains entrenched, with new data showing that a significant proportion of young learners are unable to read at even the most basic level after three years of formal schooling. The latest 2026 report from the 2030 Reading Panel reveals that 15% of Grade 3…
Growth strategy targets Gauteng, KZN and Western Cape Walmart has unveiled plans to significantly expand its footprint in South Africa, confirming that 21 additional stores are in the pipeline as it accelerates its national rollout. The announcement follows the opening of the retailer’s third fully branded South African outlet at Eastpoint Shopping Centre in Boksburg,…
Cost analysis questions value of pollution retrofit South Africa’s state power utility has cautioned that consumers could face even higher electricity tariffs if it proceeds with installing flue gas desulphurisation (FGD) technology at the Medupi Power Station. Eskom this week released a draft cost-benefit analysis for public comment, evaluating whether retrofitting Medupi with emissions-reduction equipment…
