Have Your Say About our Economy: Should we focus on Green, should we focus on growth, or can we focus on both?
South Africa is moving forward with plans to develop a carbon credit market, which aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and meet our international climate commitments. This includes market-based mechanisms like carbon taxes and carbon offsets that penalise emissions and reward greener operations. However, this approach brings trade-offs. Certification costs, complex processes, and a lack […]
Should South Africa Still Host the G20 at a Cost of Over R690 Million?
South Africa is set to host the G20 summit at the end of November 2025 — a high-profile international gathering meant to strengthen global cooperation. But with costs expected to exceed R690 million, and four major economies withdrawing from the event thus far, many South Africans are asking: Is this still a sensible use of […]
POLL: Should Private Schools Lose VAT Vendor Status?
The Draft Taxation Laws Amendment Bill (2025) proposes a major shift: from 1 January 2026, private schools will no longer be allowed to register as VAT vendors. While this proposal is not yet final, the implications could be far-reaching. Currently, many private schools reclaim VAT on uniforms, tuck shop sales, facility rentals, and more. If […]
Should Online and Sports Gambling Be Banned in South Africa?
With billions lost annually on gambling apps globally, countries like India are moving to ban online betting—especially on sports and fantasy leagues. In South Africa, gambling platforms are aggressively marketed, often with high-profile sports stars as brand ambassadors. This has led to growing concern about the social and financial harm being caused—especially among the most […]
What do you think of the National Dialogue?
Government’s much-publicised National Dialogue claims to be a forum to bridge divisions and promote unity, but many civil society groups, activists, and ordinary citizens feel excluded from the process. Critics argue that the Dialogue has become more of a “talk shop” than a transformative initiative. Join the conversation A democratic society cannot thrive without inclusive, […]
Is the South African government doing enough to combat farm attacks and farm murders?
The attacks and murders of farmers and rural workers in South Africa have become an international crisis, as the U.S. State Department has recently called these killings “heinous crimes.” This raises the clear question: Is the South African government doing enough? In support of @POTUS Executive Orders, DRL just returned from a trip to South […]
Should South Africa Continue with Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (BBBEE)?
South Africa’s economy is under immense pressure, with sluggish growth, high unemployment, and declining investor confidence. Many South Africans are questioning whether policies like Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (BBBEE), originally introduced to address the injustices of apartheid, are still serving their purpose—or if they are now contributing to inefficiency, corruption, and economic exclusion. Join the […]
Should Military Conscription Return to South Africa?
The 2024–2028 National Security Strategy proposes the reintroduction of compulsory military service for South African youth. The stated aim is to strengthen national security, build skills, and instill discipline and national values. For many South Africans, however, the return of conscription may raise concerns around freedom of choice and the militarisation of youth. The immense […]
Are You Concerned About Violent Criminals Deported to eSwatini Entering South Africa?
The United States has deported a number of violent criminals from multiple countries to eSwatini, citing international agreements and logistical considerations. This raises legitimate concerns for neighbouring countries like South Africa, where border control remains weak and crime is already a pressing issue. Join the conversation Should South Africans be worried about these individuals crossing […]
Have Your Say: Could Better Diplomacy Have Prevented the New US Tariffs?
On 1 August, the United States will impose a 30% tariff on South African exports, a move that will impact local businesses, jobs, and the economy at large. President Ramaphosa has called the decision “unjustified,” but some analysts argue that strained diplomatic relations and weak foreign policy may have played a role in triggering this […]
