analysis

The state has based its ban on studies that are inconclusive.The state also says the ban has been effective at reducing smoking.But the Fair Trade Independent Tobacco Association says smoking is as essential to smokers as food, and Minister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma has overstepped her powers.An analyst says the state avoided the illicit trade argument because…

SA Rugby is in advanced talks with potential equity partners, which could have a major impact on whether South Africa play in the Southern or Northern Hemisphere."An equity partner is not your friend," says SA Rugby CEO Jurie Roux.Roux fears South Africa will get left behind financially if they do not sign up an equity…

The lifting of alcohol ban lifted the lid on Ramaphosa's consultative Covid-19 response.NCCC blanket regulations do not work, provincial and local government leaders say.They also believe the district level response will be more effective.Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane's announcement that he would petition national government for the reinstatement of the alcohol ban in the Eastern…

SA faces a "dramatic" budget shortfall as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.The country's economic predicament requires intervention.But concerns linger over possible strings attached to international relief facilities.The economic calamity of the coronavirus has broken South Africa’s resistance to borrowing from the International Monetary Fund.And now some allies of President Cyril Ramaphosa and his ruling African National…

Defence Minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula has backtracked on her comments made at the Portfolio Committee on Defence about the Collins Khosa report.The minister's comments were inconsistent with the affidavit she deposed to the high court. Mapisa-Nqakula confirmed Elvis Hobyana’s affidavit, she also specifically mentioned certain orders that will be addressed in due course. It's been a week…