South Africa moves to grow bio-economy
The government has launched an updated bio-economy strategy that seeks to harness partnerships with industry and academia in order to accelerate the development of bio-based services, products and innovations in South Africa.
Cape film boost for economy
The Western Cape film industry contributed R3.5-billion to South Africa's gross domestic product in 2006/07, a new study finds. It also created around 8 500 jobs in the province and over 300 000 tourist "bed nights" across the country.
South Africa hits platinum jackpot
With 77% of the global platinum supply, South Africa is set to reap the rewards of record demand for the metal as vehicle manufacturers install more pollution-control devices, according to Johnson Matthey, the world's largest distributor of platinum group metals.
Game’s up for cellphone thieves
A huge blow has been struck against cellphone theft in South Africa with the signing of an agreement between the country's cellular service providers, Business Against Crime and the SA Police Service that will render all reported stolen cellphones useless.
JSE opens to foreign listings
Africa's biggest stock exchange, the JSE, is opening its doors to foreign listings, a move expected to boost the value of the local bourse and create new opportunities for African businesses.
Support for small black firms
The department of trade and industry, with funding from the World Bank, has established the Black Business Supplier Development Programme, aimed at fast-tracking small and medium black-owned enterprises with potential for growth into the mainstream of the economy.
IDC secures $125m loan
The Industrial Development Corporation, a government-owned development finance institution, has signed a US$125-million loan agreement with a number of international commercial banks.
Govt grants for entrepreneurs
The department of trade and industry has launched a Competitiveness Fund that provides financial support to qualifying entrepreneurs, allocating grants that cover up to 50% of their running costs.
New fuel formula kicks in
Motorists are set to benefit from the new fuel pricing formula which comes into effect this week, and will pay about R1-billion less per year than they would have under the old system.
SA’s first gay & lesbian bookstore
The Ultra Violet Book Cafe in Melville, Johannesburg is the only bookshop of its kind on the continent - the first specialist gay and lesbian bookstore in Africa.
