Tag: COVID-19

In 2020, new vocabulary has seeped into global consciousness. From ‘new normal’ to the more practical yet equally disliked ‘social distancing’, the additions to this year’s dictionary paint a bleak, dystopian picture. But in the last few weeks, fresh terms are being met with interest from wanderlust-stricken travellers and cautious optimism from governments and businesses hoping to rebound from the economic damage of COVID-19.

COVID-19 came to be the reset button for our world. There is massive innovation afoot: everything is becoming digital, interaction, distribution channels, and a myriad of new receiving devices to play in this digital space. There is also a greater choice, giving the user the control to demand what they need, when they need it, and where, allowing people to craft the services they desire.

It is unfortunate that President Cyril Ramaphosa did not use his 17 June announcement of modifications to South Africa’s level 3 lockdown as an opportunity to end the ill-considered ban on tobacco and related products. Appropriately, on the same day, Africa Check confirmed that the government is losing around R35 million per day in excise taxes for tobacco products.

Being nimble and awake to the rapid changes occurring to bank fraud will be essential. History tells us that things like natural disasters, times of economic instability, and fears of recession or unemployment provide the perfect environment for increased fraud and financial crime.

The commercial real estate industry has welcomed a positive upturn since level 3 of lockdown. One particular sector that is making waves and has seen a noticeable spike in activity over this period is undoubtedly industrial real estate. This uptake can be attributed to the both the stringent hygiene measures now required in the workplace and the changing nature of retail.

We are living in unprecedented times and the COVID-19 pandemic is affecting everyone differently. The lockdown following the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic is resulting in significant financial strain. Many employers are unable to pay salaries or have been forced into a position where they can only pay reduced salaries.

The Minister of Employment and Labour has issued a revised COVID-19 Direction on Health & Safety in the Workplace. The Direction applies to all workplaces except mines, ships, boats​ or cranes and any other workplace which is regulated by a different direction on health and safety.

An interview with Barry Bredenkamp, General Manager Energy Efficiency, South African National Energy Development Institute (SANEDI), and Dr Ivor Blumenthal, CEO, ArkKonsult, discussing the Green New Deal (GND) and how harnessing its benefits can help grow the economy and create jobs in a post-COVID-19 world.

During this time of uncertainty, consumers are looking to brands because they are intrinsic to every sphere of a consumer’s life. With this life-changing event being faced globally, many economies are suffering a downturn, which has a ripple effect on consumer spend and, therefore, on brands.

Sometimes the focus should not be on what was said, but rather on what was left unsaid. The Supplementary Budget tabled by Minister Tito Mboweni on 24 June 2020, centred around the potentially disastrous trajectory of South Africa’s fiscal affairs.