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South African consumer confidence fell sharply during the second quarter, and South Africans may soon see major changes to the country’s ATM network. Professor Waldo Krugell discusses the impact of artificial intelligence on young people and employment and explains why the future belongs to those who know how to use and manage AI effectively. In international business news, Oracle has cut about 21 000 jobs worldwide over the past year as the technology giant accelerates its shift towards artificial intelligence. On the local front, the Financial Sector Conduct Authority has warned the public and investors about a sophisticated scam in which fraudsters are impersonating the regulator and its commissioner, Unathi Kamlana. We also continue our conversation with Erica Liebenberg of JustMoney, who shares practical tips on how young people can earn an income by working online.

On this week’s Bizskoops: South Africa’s annual consumer price inflation rose to 4.5% in May, while the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources says the country’s long-delayed national mining cadastre should be operational by the end of March next year. Professor Waldo Krugell discusses the impact that fuel price increases over the past two months may have on consumer spending. In international business news, the United Kingdom and Japan have announced a multi-billion-pound investment agreement aimed at boosting economic growth and creating tens of thousands of jobs. On the local front, investor expectations for further interest-rate hikes in South Africa have eased, and we continue our conversation with Erica Liebenberg of JustMoney, who shares practical tips on how young people can earn an income by working online.

On this week’s Bizskoops: South Africa’s economy grew by only 0.5% in the first quarter, while Eskom’s restructuring remains on the cards despite a missed deadline. Chris Hattingh of the Centre for Risk Analysis shares insights on whether the recent upgrade by Fitch Ratings is likely to have any meaningful impact on the challenges facing businesses and on economic growth. Professor Waldo Krugell discusses the digital future of money, while Google has agreed to pay SpaceX for computing power to enhance its artificial intelligence platform. The Executive Head of Energy, Infrastructure & Mining at Standard Bank, Deerosh Maharaj, tells us more about how the bank has positioned itself as a partner for businesses that want to grow competitively while integrating sustainability, especially around climate, energy and agriculture. We also hear from Erica Liebenberg of JustMoney, who shares practical tips on how young people can earn an income by working online.

On this week’s Bizskoops: South African business confidence weakened sharply in the second quarter, while the country has recorded the highest rate of suspected digital fraud in Africa. Chris Hattingh of the Centre for Risk Analysis shares insights on whether current policy responses are addressing the right problems. Professor Waldo Krugell provides an overview of key financial indicators at the start of a new month. In global business news, Tesla’s China-made electric vehicle sales rose sharply in May, while governments worldwide are taking steps to shield consumers from rising energy costs linked to the Middle East conflict. On the local front, Tiger Brands has decided to sell its Beacon Easter eggs and chocolate slab business, as well as the Beacon brand itself, as part of an ongoing restructuring strategy. We conclude our conversation with Pieter Wasserfall of JustMoney, who shares valuable advice on investing this week.

On this week’s Bizskoops: The South African Reserve Bank is set to decide on the repo rate this week, and we discuss the possible factors influencing its decision and the likely outcomes. Chris Hattingh of the Centre for Risk Analysis also explains how the global bond selloff is increasing South Africa’s borrowing costs. Professor Waldo Krugell discusses how the effects of the Middle East conflict are being felt across several sectors of the economy globally, not only through rising oil prices. In international business news, Sam Altman, CEO OpenAI says artificial intelligence is unlikely to trigger the large-scale job losses he once feared. There is also good news for investors who bought shares in Stefanutti Stocks in 2020. We continue our conversation with Pieter Wasserfall of JustMoney, who explains why consumers should avoid taking on new debt and unpacks stokvels as a practical way of saving money.

On this week’s Bizskoops: We speak to Dr Elna Moolman, Group Head of South Africa Macroeconomic Research at Standard Bank, about April inflation, which surged to 4%, while Minister Gwede Mantashe assures South Africans that there is no immediate risk of fuel shortages. Chris Hattingh of the Centre for Risk Analysis unpacks concerns around rising unemployment, while Professor Waldo Krugell explains what he expects from future interest rate decisions. In international business news, UK-based Standard Chartered plans to reduce its back-office workforce by more than 15% as it expands the use of artificial intelligence and automation, while Greencoat Renewables will move to a main board listing on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange from 28 May. We also continue our discussion with Pieter Wasserfall of JustMoney, who shares more practical tips on how households can save on monthly living expenses.

On this week’s Bizskoops: We speak to Professor Deon Tustin from Unisa about the latest Bureau of Market Research and Unisa Economist of the Year Competition forecasts. South Africa’s official unemployment rate has risen while Chris Hattingh of the Centre for Risk Analysis unpacks concerns raised by National Treasury South Africa over the financial position of Johannesburg. Professor Waldo Krugell analyses key financial indicators for the month and what they could mean for the next repo rate decision. A former World Bank president has urged China to help ease global food and fertiliser supply pressures, while South Africa’s mining sector is once again becoming an attractive investment destination. We also continue our discussion with Pieter Wasserfall of JustMoney, who shares further financial tips for individuals and businesses.

On this week’s Bizskoops: South Africa could see around one-thousand-540 business insolvencies this year, while rising fuel costs are prompting consumers to cut back on travel. We speak to Chris Hattingh of the Centre for Risk Analysis on whether the South African Reserve Bank may follow the lead of the Federal Reserve and the Bank of England in holding interest rates steady. He also explains why the United Arab Emirates has exited OPEC and OPEC+. Professor Waldo Krugell weighs in on oil and fuel prices. Meanwhile, shares in Pick n Pay fell by around three percent, and we speak to Pieter Wasserfall from JustMoney about the resilience of South Africans during disruptions such as load shedding and floods.

On this week’s Bizskoops: The fuel tax relief has been extended to 2 June, while government proposes changes to its exchange control system and public procurement regulations. Professor Waldo Krugell reflects on the state of the economy in light of Freedom Day, asking whether true freedom is possible without economic growth. In global business news, Japan Airlines is trialling humanoid robots for ground handling, and BP reports a sharp rise in first-quarter profits. We also conclude our discussion with Sally Palmer from Maverix, who unpacks free tools like the Profit Check and Leadership Assessment and explains how leaders must rethink their approach to stay competitive over the next decade.

On this week’s Bizskoops: South Africa’s inflation has edged slightly higher, and the South African Revenue Service has introduced a boost for major diesel users. Chris Hattingh of the Centre for Risk Analysis shares his insight into the decision by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to cut South Africa’s 2026 GDP growth forecast in its April World Economic Outlook. Professor Waldo Krugell reflects on the economic implications of the US–Iran ceasefire. Apple has announced that John Ternus will take over as chief executive on 1 September, and Liquid Intelligent Technologies has significantly reduced its bond-related debt. Sally Palmer of the business leadership platform Maverix shares insights on building an energised company culture and what needs to shift in leadership to balance profitability with enjoyment.