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31 January 2012 02:45

SA needs to re-hitch its wagon to rising stars

Ties to the West are starting to hurt SA; change is needed.

South Africa’s economic fate has, since its earliest days, been closely linked to the fate of the West, especially Europe and the United Kingdom, and later, the USA and Japan. Demand for South African exports came primarily from those regions, as did the imported capital and machinery that built the country’s mines and cities.

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24 January 2012 02:59

Is SA fostering a culture of poverty and dependence?

Does SA want engaged, productive citizens, or lazy welfare types?

Every government must strike a balance between, on the one hand, protecting citizens from the vagaries of chance, and on the other hand, incentivising them to work hard and look after themselves. Recent evidence suggests that the South African government may be erring on the side of too much protection, and unintentionally incentivising citizens to behave in ways that are counter to the country’s best interests.

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17 January 2012 03:21

South Africa's education crisis

Stampede death, test scores, and the ANC highlight the crisis.

No one would dispute the importance of a decent education, especially in today’s ever-more complex world, and even more especially in today’s South Africa, with its massive skills shortages and economic inequalities.

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13 December 2011 02:47

Investing in 2012

Some thoughts on the investment year ahead.

After the rollercoaster that was 2011, many investors will be looking apprehensively ahead to 2012, wondering what fresh horrors global markets may have in store for them – and given the abundant downside risks characterising the global economy, some apprehension is eminently sensible. But besides worrying, what can investors do to survive and thrive in 2012?

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05 December 2011 23:21

SA in a holding pattern

Economy stuck in a rut, waiting for the world to save itself.

Technically, a holding pattern is a circular pattern that airplanes fly in while they wait for permission to land. Unable to stop in mid-air, and unable to move on to another destination, aircraft awaiting a suitable landing slot often end up just flying in big, lazy circles around airports, waiting for the word from air traffic controllers.

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