Tag: climate change

The turbulent geopolitical climate is creating uncertain economic conditions across the globe. In South Africa, several unique challenges are worsening the effects of global risk factors, including load shedding, hefty fuel hikes and ongoing inflationary increases.

Energy expert Alex Epstein is convinced that when presented with the facts about fossil fuels’ positive impacts - not to mention their potential to improve the quality of life for billions of people in the developing world - even the 'keep it in the ground' crowd will reconsider their stance.

The COVID-19 pandemic has shaken our society to its core. Many family members, colleagues, friends or acquaintances have either lost their lives or been infected. As devastating as the virus has been to livelihoods and communities, there have also been several silver linings.

There is a saying; ‘oil and water don’t mix’. While that may be true on a meta-physical level, it isn’t true when it comes to Africa’s energy needs. With the population of the continent expected to double by 2100 this creates a daunting energy challenge, combined with rising expectations of improved resilience and sustainability.

Global and domestic food security remains under extreme threat. Climate change has always been the main driver for the threat, however, the recent invasion of Ukraine by Russia has drastically increased concerns about the impact of war on soaring food prices and input costs.

Following our recent announcement that we have joined the Net Zero Asset Managers Initiative, we have highlighted the urgent need for a tangible commitment by the local asset management industry through the establishment of a South Africa-centric low carbon and socially inclusive listed equity investment benchmark.

From October 3 to 7 this year, African and global leaders in the oil and gas sector will converge in Cape Town for Africa Oil Week. In the lead-up to the conference, the debate around Africa's use of its natural resources for its benefit is coming into sharp focus, including the conference host country - South Africa.

We have released the Global Megatrends 2022 report, an analysis of the global forces significantly impacting society and the project management profession today. Global Megatrends 2022 helps project professionals understand the world’s rapid transformation and the global context in which they work so they can use projects to solve complex problems.  

President Cyril Ramaphosa’s State of the Nation Address (SONA) on 10 February 2022 highlighted some key issues requiring attention. Most notable were his commitment to cut red tape constraining business, to boost infrastructure investment and to continue with reform.

As was widely expected, the government did not announce any increase in the VAT rate, although the Minister has stated that the tax rate will need to increase in the future. The proposed amendments affecting VAT are largely technical in nature.