"Events of the past week should be a major wake-up call to all South Africans. From Julius Malema's anti-white and 'land nationalisation without compensation' utterances, to the totally absurd and unacceptable 'coffin case' racism, and lastly to the wanton and reckless abuse of our state and democratic institutions for palpable self-interest and sickening patronage, these need to be roundly and unequivocally condemned by all reasonable South Africans seeking to make South Africa their home under its Constitution and Bill of Rights," Dr John Purchase, CEO of Agbiz, said. Read more in the
Agbiz media release»
|
The Minister of Social Development
,
Ms Bathabile Dlamini, presented to NEDLAC EXCO today on Comprehensive Social Security and Retirement Reforms for South Africa. She also released a Discussion Document, entitled "Comprehensive Social Security in South Africa", that provides more detail on the programme and also includes information on the proposed National Health Insurance (NHI), which forms part of Social Security. Employers are advised to study the discussion document and Social Security presentation to understand possible liabilities that may be imposed on them.
|
| Economic and agribusiness intelligence |
 The Agbiz/IDC Agribusiness Confidence Index declined by 5 index points in the fourth quarter of this year to 55 Index points. Worth noting, however, is that an index above 50 indicates expansion in the South African agribusiness activity. Therefore a 55 Index point suggests that agribusinesses are still holding a relatively optimistic view regarding business conditions in the country.
Agbiz economists, Wandile Sihlobo provides more information in the
linked media release»
|
 Recent employment data shows that the agricultural sector created 7% more jobs in the third quarter of this year from the previous one - which is 56 000 additional jobs, putting the sector's total labour force at 881 000 jobs.
Although this is an encouraging development, the effects of the 2015/16 El Niño induced drought are still reflected in some sectors. In fact, on a year-on-year basis (y/y), agricultural jobs were down by 2% in the third quarter of this year.
Agbiz economist,
Wandile Sihlobo discusses more detail in the linked article»
|
South Africa's food inflation accelerates
 Recent Consumer Price Index data shows that food and non-alcoholic beverages inflation accelerated to 11.7% year-on-year (y/y) in October 2016 from 11.3% in September 20161 (with non-alcoholic beverages aside, food inflation rose to 12% y/y in October 2016 from 11.6% in September 2016).
Food and non-alcoholic beverages basket consists of bread and cereals; meat; fish; milk, eggs and cheese; oils and fats; fruit; vegetables; sugar, sweets and deserts; non-alcoholic beverages and other foods.
Wandile Sihlobo discusses more detail in the
linked update»
|
South Africa's food producer inflation falls
 Recent Producer Price Index data shows that food products (producer) inflation fell to 12.7% year-on-year (y/y) in October 2016 from 13.1% y/y in September 2016. This suggests that consumer inflation (food) is likely to decelerate over the coming months.
Wandile Sihlobo discusses more detail in the
linked update»
|
|
Daily view on commodity markets
Daily commentaries on agricultural commodity markets and macro-economic trends
are available on the Agbiz website
www.agbiz.co.za
|
|
Thirteen students will be awarded study grants for 2017 as part of a support programme towards the development of the scientist and agriculturists of the future. In addition, 10 graduates will receive internships in various roles.
"We are confident that the investment we are making in the future of young people in South Africa, as well as the valuable research that will be generated through this bursary and support programme, will lead to more effective solutions for farmers in the future," says Kobus Steenekamp, MD Monsanto South Africa in the linked media release»
|
VKB Foods store in Bethlehem officially opens its doors on the 26th of November 2016. Media release»
|
Although international value chains, whether regional or global, are not a new phenomenon, their importance in the global economy has increased tremendously over the last two decades. From a sustainable development perspective, designing and implementing policies geared towards fostering developing countries' beneficial integration into these increasingly complex production networks has thus become crucial. Read the Bridges Africa newsletter
here»
|
Water & Climate Congress
22 - 24 March 2017
Annual Road Transport Legislation Workshop
23 May 2017 - Stellenbosch
25 May 2017 - Durban
8 June 2017 - Pretoria
International Conference on Global Food Security
8-11 October 2017 | Cape Town
International Convention Centre,
Conference Theme: Food Security: Global challenges, local solutions
|
|
Agribusiness Centenary Bursary
|
Agbiz is making available an annual bursary to a South African student registered for a Masters or PhD degree in either agricultural economics or agribusiness management related fields.
The application deadline is 9 December 2016.
More information»
|
|
Follow Agbiz on Facebook and Twitter
Be sure to follow Agbiz on Twitter and Facebook for the latest industry news and events.
|
|
| |
|
|
