And snap December is upon us.
Most companies will only have 10 working days in December due to the 15th being a holiday. Silly season is in full swing with the last-minute rush.
We have been busy with Department of labour Employment Equity inspections that are now really an issue. These meetings are not a pleasure and quite intimidatory by some of the inspectors. They do not go away and there is no place to hide regarding your EMPLOYMENT EQUITY STATUS.
Despite the challenges that South Africa faces, there have been many positive developments in the country in 2023. Here are some of the good news stories from this year:
Economy
The South African economy is expected to grow by 1.9% in 2023, according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF). This is a positive sign for the country, which has been struggling with low economic growth in recent years. The unemployment rate has fallen from 35.5% in the first quarter of 2023 to 34.9% in the second quarter. This is still an elevated level of unemployment, but at least it is a positive trend. This means that millions of South Africans are unable to find work and support themselves and their families. Inflation however remains a huge concern as does the exchange rate.
Poverty however has not declined in South Africa in 2023. The most recent data from Statistics South Africa shows that the poverty rate in South Africa was 58.6% in 2022. This means that more than half of the country's population lives in poverty. It really does seem as if the current Political leaders are simply unable or unwilling to rectify this!
Education
South Africa has made some limited progress in recent years. The country's matriculation pass rate has increased from 59.3% in 2019 to 76.4% in 2023. This however may not be a true reflection as the pass rate dropped and students in many cases are being given a free pass. This will be an issue with matriculants that struggle in secondary education and the workplace due to a lack of skills. South Africa has also made progress in increasing access to higher education. The number of students enrolled in higher education institutions has increased from 1.8 million in 2010 to 2.2 million in 2023. This is a positive development, as it will help to create a more skilled workforce and contribute to economic growth.
Healthcare
The South African government has made investments in healthcare in recent years. The country has built new hospitals and clinics, and it has also expanded access to free healthcare. These investments have had a positive impact on the health of South Africans. Life expectancy has increased from 56.6 years in 2010 to 60.3 years in 2023. This is a significant improvement.
Environment
South Africa is committed to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions. The country has set a target of reducing emissions by 42% by 2025. South Africa is also investing in renewable energy sources. The country has installed a significant amount of solar and wind power capacity in recent years. These investments are helping to reduce the country's reliance on fossil fuels and improve air quality.
Social Issues
South Africa has made progress in addressing social issues such as poverty and inequality. The country has introduced a number of social welfare programs, and it has also implemented policies to promote economic inclusion. This has become a burden on taxpayers who are feeling the pinch.
Despite the challenges that South Africa faces, there are reasons to be optimistic about the country's future. The economy is growing, education is improving, and healthcare is becoming more accessible. South Africa is also making progress in addressing social issues such as poverty and inequality. With continued effort, South Africa can overcome its challenges and build a brighter future for its citizens. Despite the challenges that South Africa faces, there have been many positive developments in the country in 2023. It is obvious however that the current government has failed dismally on safety, employment, sanitation, water, electricity housing, roads, and numerous other causes and unless there are changes in the next election you cannot expect change in our country.
We all wish you a joyous and festive holiday season with lots of laughter, love, and lasting memories. As always, we thank you for your support and the friendships we have built over the years, we all value them all.
Sincerely
Hilton Johnson
CEO – Compliance Hub