I’ve read an article on the <i>M&G Online</i> that says having a gold card is all for show. I tend to agree with that. I went in to my bank recently, and asked if I really needed my "elite cheque account" with a gold cheque card. The adviser’s answer was, that this will count in my favour when applying for a home loan or vehicle finance, as apposed to having say a classic cheque account, writes a reader.
On June 1 the National Credit Act comes into force, which will change the way credit is extended as well as increase the importance of customers’ credit histories. Consumers who realise that their credit record is their most valuable asset and treat it accordingly will benefit, but those who are not prompt with payment and who over-extend themselves will find credit becoming increasingly expensive.
By filling in a subscription or competition postcard and dropping it in the post box, you could be exposing yourself to ID theft — one of the fastest growing crimes facing consumers. Identity theft occurs when a customer’s personal or banking details are illegally obtained and used to access the customer’s bank accounts.
Last month the finance miniÂster announced that individuals will be completing new, simpler tax forms this year. Instead of filling in 10 pages, individuals paying PAYE will only have to fill in two pages. You will not have to do any calculations, nor will you have to supply supporting documents such as an IRP5 — you will, however, need to keep these somewhere safe in case of an audit.
The JSE was firmer at midday on Tuesday, boosted by a turnaround in Asian stocks, but overall trading volumes were low ahead of the decision on interest rates later this week. At 12pm, the all-share index was up 0,57%. Resources added 0,91%, the platinum-mining index firmed 0,91%, but the gold-mining index shed 0,16%.
Zimbabwe on Tuesday raised electricity tariffs by more than 50% as it battles worsening power shortages in the country and a vicious inflation spiral which has increased economic hardships. Zimbabwe — which has been grappling with chronic power shortages over the last two years — has suffered severe blackouts in the last few days.
![]()
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) is allowed to retrieve documents from Mauritius that relate to Jacob Zuma’s alleged role in the multibillion-rand arms deal. Judge Jan Hugo of the Durban High Court gave his ruling on Tuesday granting the NPA permission to continue to proceed with a letter of authorisation.
The Indian cricket board short-listed South Africa’s Graham Ford on Monday for the job of national coach and eliminated Australian Dav Whatmore from contention. A board official said the former South Africa coach and another unidentified candidate would be called to meet its coaching committee on Saturday.
United States Democratic Representative William Jefferson, accused of hiding 000 of intended bribes in his freezer, was charged on Monday with soliciting bribes and paying off a Nigerian official. Jefferson (63) a member of Congress since 199, faces a maximum of 235 years in prison if convicted.
![]()
A South African court on Tuesday granted the state permission to obtain documents from Mauritius which prosecutors want for a possible new corruption case against ex-deputy president Jacob Zuma. The Durban High Court decision could be a blow to the resilient and controversial politician.