Mail & Guardian
Mail & Guardian
James Maposa

Creator

James Maposa

Guest Author

By encouraging entrepreneurship, South Africa can sustain a more inclusive, diversified economy which can withstand shocks and is set up for long-term growth

We should still root for small businesses in these tumultuous economic times

By encouraging entrepreneurship, South Africa can sustain a more inclusive, diversified economy which can withstand shocks and is set up for long-term growth

The Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund believes that when children lead, the digital world becomes more humane, more creative, and more just

Despite the demand for education technology, affordability is a key barrier

Innovative approaches are needed to ensure edtech companies’ long-term viability while fostering access to quality education for all

Electrician Morithi Manasoe Working On Installing Solar Panels. Photo: Supplied

Think local and regional to sustain scaling South African enterprise growth

The SADC offers potential for growth across various sectors by leveraging South Africa’s strengths in agriculture, energy, manufacturing and digital services

Checkers has successfully capitalised on their online offerings, becoming a leader within their respective category.

How growth will be sustained by business SA despite a hostile  operating environment

The economic landscape will require out-the-box thinking for corporate South Africa to stay afloat

There are now 8.4 million unemployed people, an increase of 140 000 since the first quarter of 2025 (Delwyn Verasamy/M&G)

Practical, long-term approach needed to revitalise South Africa’s economy

Education must be aligned with job market needs, home-based entrepreneurship and small businesses need support and a diverse economy encouraged.

Empowering the unemployed to start their own small businesses, or to partner with others in entrepreneurial ventures, can be a powerful tool for economic revival. (Photo by: Peter Titmuss/Education Images/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

With record unemployment, fostering small business development is essential

For this strategy to succeed, enabling policies and support systems must be established to help entrepreneurs overcome the significant barriers they face

Major corporations in the mining and steel production industries, including Anglo American, Sibanye Stillwater, and ArcelorMittal South Africa, have reported reduced output and profitability because of higher operational costs and declining global demand for raw materials.(Madelene Cronje)

Strain on smaller businesses now affecting larger enterprises

Urgent relief is needed to stop the spread of financial ruin to bigger firms and avoid economic sector turmoil

South Africa’s product exports in value terms declined in 2022 (-0.1% versus 2021) and in 2023 (-10.6% versus 2022), because of lower demand in 2023. (Photo by ER Lombard/Gallo Images via Getty Images)

Service exports an avenue for SA’s longer-term economic growth

The country can grow its commercial services offerings, particularly business, financial, intellectual property, telecommunication, computer and information services, and…

The decision to form a unity government has been broadly welcomed by economists.

Invest in megaprojects and economic diversification to overcome economic gloom

Public, private partnerships and adopting advanced technology will help in this regard

Intra-Africa trade: A container ship in the Suez Canal, Egypt. Photo: Camille Delbos/Getty Images

South Africa’s trade balance is thinning and in need of urgent resolve

The country must explore various possibilities in order to remain a net exporter

The increase in, for example, white and yellow maize, us now at 7.75 million tonnes and 6.91 million tonnes, 16% higher than the 2023-24 season.

South Africa’s economic expansion will be driven by consistency in quarterly economic performances

An increase in foreign direct investment could be the way to unlock economic opportunity

Support for small enterprises should be more than lip service

While government praises entrepreneurs, it could do far more to help them grow. Now is the perfect time for beneficial policy changes

Harmless

Southern Africa’s cannabis industry offers opportunity for open-minded investors

The stigma around the plant needs to be addressed and citizens involved in new policies and processes in order for the market to change

When the Fees Must Fall movement erupted in October 2015, the discontent was not just about the fees. It was the threat of being excluded and obtaining the key that would lead to employment

SA youth’s tomorrow should start today

Young people want better representation in the corridors of power, a decent education and an economy that guarantees them jobs

Nike headquarters. (Natalie Behring/Getty Images)

Use Nike’s model to expand your small business

Having a successful business is about more than just selling a product to customers