Wendell Roelf
latest news & developmentsR2bn ethanol plant planned for completion by 2014
R2-billion has been set aside for an ethanol plant to help South Africa’s budding biofuels sector, which could reduce its reliance on imported fuel.
ANC seeks to finance mining, agriculture job drive
The ANC is seeking ways to finance efforts to boost jobs in the agriculture and mining sectors, which could include pension funds buying more bonds.
SA can use forex reserves if necessary, says Gordhan
South Africa could use its foreign exchange reserves if necessary to relieve market stress caused by global turmoil, says Pravin Gordhan.
SA struggles to meet land reform targets
SA has reversed gains in its goal of transferring 30% of commercial farmland to blacks by 2014 after aspirant farmers resold land bought for them.
De Beers SA sees 6.5-million carats for 2011
Diamond producer De Beers expects its South African unit to produce 6.5-million carats in 2011, a million less than last year.
Mine ‘carnage’ worries Susan Shabangu
Susan Shabangu described the mounting death toll in SA’s mines as "carnage", adding there is a link between the pursuit of profits and the body count.
Swaziland turns to South Africa for bailout
Swaziland has asked South Africa for an emergency bailout of R10-billion but the government say it would need to review the request first.
SA farmers oppose Shell’s shale gas plans
Royal Dutch Shell is facing opposition to its plans to seek shale gas in South Africa’s semi-desert Karoo region.
SA carbon tax could hurt business, consumers
South Africa is likely to phase-in a carbon tax on fossil fuel inputs as part of new measures to curb carbon dioxide emissions.
IMF trims SA’s 2010 GDP forecast
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has trimmed South Africa’s growth forecast for this year to below 3%.
BHP set to join new oil-gas explorers in SA
BHP Billiton, the world’s biggest diversified miner, plans to drill for gas off South Africa’s west coast and will get exploration permits by August.
South Africans mark Mandela’s release from prison
Thousands of South Africans on Thursday marked 20 years since Nelson Mandela walked to freedom after 27 years as a political prisoner.
SA to introduce new car tax despite concerns
The Treasury will press on with plans to introduce a new tax on vehicles designed to curb carbon dioxide emissions despite concerns.
SA wine sector sees World Cup boost
South Africa’s wine industry expects increased global sales in 2010, although a strong and volatile rand currency threatens its long-term prospects.
SA municipalities to raise R20bn
South African municipalities will raise up to R20-billion to fund major infrastructure projects over the next three years, a National Treasury official said on Tuesday. South…