Viewpoint

Across the globe, governments emphasise the need to grow the economy. They display statistics as evidence of progress. They build roads, bridges and schools, and they call it development. They also enact regulations, collect taxes and redistribute resources. All of this occurs in the name of economic advancement. But what truly creates wealth?

From rural towns to urban metros, South Africa continues to record driving under the influence cases at almost every police station. Between July and September 2025, police made 20,442 arrests. At the same time, parents across the country are preparing for youth celebrations as exams end. This is especially true for matric learners celebrating their achievements. Behind each number stands a person, a choice, a life and a story.

Venezuela’s oil industry offers one of the clearest illustrations of how politics can both create and destroy economic prosperity. The country holds the world’s largest proven oil reserves. In theory, this endowment should place Venezuela among the most prosperous energy economies globally. Instead, it has become a case study in political failure.

Australia’s decision to ban children under 16 from social media, with Denmark eyeing similar measures for under-15s, has reignited a global debate about children, technology and harm. The political appeal is obvious: draw a clear line, claim protection and move on. But from a South African legal and policy perspective, this approach is both insufficient and misdirected. It treats children as the problem, rather than the digital systems that systematically fail them.

Austrian economists argue that capital is more than just money, it is a living process in which private individuals set aside present consumption, conserve resources, and pour those resources into ventures they believe will yield increase later. That choice demands patience, sound judgment and - above all - ownership.

A top South African wine farm recently launched water tasting experiences. The Library at Lanzerac charges R295 per head for a selection of waters, served by a water sommelier. At that price, it is R15 more expensive than their wine and chocolate tasting, which pairs five Jonkershoek Range wines with artisanal chocolate.

National Treasury's draft proposal for a 20% national tax on the gross gambling revenue of all forms of online gambling, including online sports betting, which is legal, must be called what it is: a revenue grab. This proposal violates constitutionalism, undermines democratic practice and punishes enterprise. All of this is dressed up as a measure to reduce social harm. It is, in effect, a revenue-driven gambling tax.

As the year winds down, many of us start thinking about what’s next. We consider what we want to change, achieve or let go of in the new year. However, before rushing into resolutions or writing down your 2026 goals, it’s worth pausing.

The need for us to work together with other nations in crucial, but how can we focus on building international relations when our own country is falling apart? Shouldn’t leaders fix their problems first, before showing off a ‘world class city’, that doesn’t exist.

Despite global economic uncertainty and geopolitical tensions, African CEOs are optimistic about their own organisations’ growth prospects. This is according to the our 2025 Africa CEO Outlook Survey, which captures the perspectives of 130 CEOs across Southern, East and West Africa.