News — Centre for Risk Analysis

[Opinion] Transnet on the move!

Can Transnet be fixed? This won’t happen overnight, but CHRIS HATTINGH reveals that some positive steps are finally being taken.

[Letter] Master plans drive up costs

Trade, industry & competition minister Ebrahim Patel has highlighted the negative consequences of inefficient rail and ports systems, especially for new and emerging businesses (“Patel bemoans failed SOEs hobbling black industrialists”, March 18).

[Opinion] Quality over quantity

Will the declining average levels of basic service delivery influence voter behaviour in the 2024 National and Provincial elections?

[Opinion] Maize Meal Porridge Index shows effect of food inflation on low-income households

This new index shows how low-income consumers battle to afford nutritious food for their families as food price inflation soars.

[Opinion] Talking a big game

President Cyril Ramaphosa has been big on promises, but will he follow through on these promises with any real action? Chris Hattingh has his doubts.

[Opinion] ANC manifesto vague and Nixonian with little hope of creating a better life for all

When we examine public opportunities to make grand, sweeping statements (such as State of the Nation Addresses and, in an election year, party manifestos) versus most citizens' everyday reality of life on the ground, we can better understand whether, if implemented, ideas and policies contained in said manifestos will produce better or worse outcomes, writes the author.

[Opinion] Exploring SA’s median-age dynamics

As South Africa navigates its complex socio-economic landscape, one of the most telling indicators of demographic shifts is the median age.

[Letter] SA citizens have low quality of life

Challenges facing consumers a reflection of the state of governance in SA.

[Letter] IMF revision on growth is no surprise

SA must urgently deal with problems hurting the economy.

[Letter] Bailout risks papering over Transnet failures

The longer SA focuses on short-term ‘fixes’ its trade potential will be hobbled

[Letter] Lax biosecurity a threat to agriculture

No or limited government funding is available to implement control measures.

[Video] WEF 2024 | Team SA hopes to lure back investors

As the World Economic Forum begins at Davos this morning, Team South Africa has a lot on its plate, trying to sell the country to investors.

[Opinion] Planning for success by getting our ports up and running

Through all of this, the crucial lesson for SA to realise and implement is getting its ports back to an adequate level of operation, such that the country can place itself in a position to take advantage of times when global trade patterns shift due to unforeseen events and conflicts.

[Letter] Preferential procurement only benefits vested interests

Preferential procurement policies tend to skew towards benefiting those with the necessary political connections and influence.

[Video] Discussion | Red Sea blockade and SA

Shipping firms have decided to redirect their ships as attacks by Houthi rebels along the trade route through the Red Sea continue.

[Video] Impact of Red Sea crisis on food and oil prices

Several dozen container vessels are expected to travel via the Suez Canal and the Red Sea in the coming days and weeks.Some global shipping firms have announced a return to the route.

[Opinion] ANC's Hamas meeting could hurt us badly

With South Africa having been greylisted by the Financial Action Task Force in February for insufficient measures to combat anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing, such meetings send the wrong kind of signal.

[News] State troubles come home to roost

The fiscal, skills, and management challenges facing the central government – along with various departments and state-owned enterprises (SOEs) – have come to the fore throughout 2023.

[Video] Durban harbour | Waves of containers choke port

Chris Hattingh, Executive Director at the Centre for Risk Analysis, says container handling output is sitting at 19 percent down compared to what it was the same period last year.

[Opinion] SA needs a port in a storm

Congestion at South African ports is crippling the country’s economy, further increasing costs. CHRIS HATTINGH says it is vital that the country ups its logistics game.

[Letter] Anti-graft guarantees

Sanral wants private sector funding, but it should first provide guarantees of improved financial management.

[Letter] Eskom execs running from toxic ANC

Party policies and cadre deployment are behind utility's demise.

[Opinion] South Africa’s living conditions: navigating challenges and pursuing equity

South Africa, a nation of stark contrasts and immense potential, has long struggled with issues of housing and access to essential services.

[Opinion] From conspiracy theory to reality?

The cliché American conspiracy-theory trope, “they’re watching”, is an overused storyline common to the American screen, from “conspiracy nut” comedies to dark action-packed spy blockbusters. But this trope could become a South African reality if the new General Intelligence Laws Amendment Bill (GILAB) comes into play.

[News] Government budget cuts could lead to social unrest

The government might have to cut back on spending for social services due to budget constraints, which could lead to social unrest and increased frustration with the status quo. This is according to economist and head of policy analysis at the Centre For Risk Analysis Chris Hattingh.

[Video] Discussion | Treasury considers drastic cost-cutting measures

National Treasury is reportedly preparing a raft of cost-cutting measures as it's coffers run dry. These include getting departments and other sectors of government to reduce their spending. Economist Chris Hattingh, spoke to eNCA.

[Opinion] Academic contest is a (dirty) fighting sport, and so it should be

Whether a piece of commentary rubs you up the wrong or the right way is not what is relevant; what’s important is that an opinion rubbed you up at all.

[Opinion] SA must get onto a 7% growth track, and that demands boldness and innovative thinking

Instead of adopting a ruthless growth focus, the government is doubling down on job-destroying policies like expropriation without compensation (EWC) and enhanced BEE, while bribing SA’s poorest to look the other way with miserly social grants and by providing them with decrepit state services in water, electricity, education, health, transport, and safety, among other areas. Yet it does not have to be this way. A small number of critical reforms, resolutely enacted, can achieve a dramatic turnaround in South Africa’s prospects.

[News] Brighter days ahead?

Perhaps, after years of resisting the types of reform necessary to improve the performance of the ports, the government has finally reached the inflection point.

[Opinion] Zimbabwe’s ongoing struggle for free and fair elections

On Wednesday, Zimbabwe is scheduled to hold a general election. This poll has already garnered significant attention due to its potential to either direct the nation toward true democratic reform or plunge the Southern African country deeper into the depths of autocracy.