South Africa is grappling with an infrastructure crisis, prompting the Department of Public Works, led by Minister Dean Macpherson, to fast-track projects addressing urban decay and derelict buildings. A new partnership with local entities aims to boost tourism in eThekwini, despite challenges like crime and inadequate infrastructure. The government is also tackling hijacked buildings and exploring ways to enhance tourism, including potential Blue Flag status for beaches. The tourism sector, represented by Fedhasa, is keen to collaborate on repurposing state-owned buildings and anticipates improvements in the tourism environment due to government pressure on municipalities.

South Africa is experiencing a surge in violent crimes, including gender-based violence, assault, and kidnapping, which is impacting communities and businesses. The 2024 Violence Survey, conducted by RCS in partnership with BNP Paribas and the Whitaker Peace and Development Initiative, highlights increasing concerns about personal safety and the economic cost of violence. The survey reveals a rise in severe violence, with significant impacts on livelihoods, job security, and community well-being. Gender-based violence remains a critical issue, affecting women's self-confidence and job performance. Businesses are also feeling the effects, with community violence contributing to employee absenteeism and productivity challenges.

The global shipping industry is grappling with an ageing fleet, and despite a recent surge in shipbuilding, the pace of new vessel deliveries is insufficient to replace older ships. Xclusive Shipbrokers reports a significant increase in orderbook-to-fleet ratios across various vessel segments, driven by a rebound in freight rates post-Covid-19. However, by 2030, a substantial portion of the current fleet will be over 21 years old, posing challenges in operational efficiency and environmental sustainability. The number of active shipyards has increased, particularly in China, but the ageing trend remains a concern across bulk carriers, tankers, and gas carriers.

South Africa faces worsening food insecurity due to spiraling food inflation and high personal debt, with one in four children in poor households experiencing stunting. The South African Food Security Index 2024, developed by University of Stellenbosch economists and published by Shoprite Group, indicates a decline in food security over the past decade. Factors such as drought, geopolitical instability, and inflationary pressures, including the Ukraine war, have exacerbated the situation. Despite sufficient food availability, economic constraints limit access to nutritious meals, particularly in rural areas. The Altron FinTech Household Resilience Index highlights the impact of high interest rates on consumer finances, increasing household debt burdens. Recommendations include VAT zero-rating for essential foods and targeted nutritional interventions for children.

South African entrepreneur Tarryn Muller, co-founder of Niice Foods, is leading a group of KwaZulu-Natal entrepreneurs to China to participate in the 21st China-Asean Expo. The mission aims to boost exports and expand markets for South African products, particularly macadamia nut oil, craft gin, and leather goods. Trade & Investment KwaZulu-Natal is facilitating the trip to promote export growth and create business linkages. The initiative highlights the potential for South Africa to learn from China's value-addition strategies and underscores the growing trade relationship between the two countries.

Following a weekend of heavy snowfall, 700 trucks remain stranded on the N3 freeway between Johannesburg and Durban, despite the restoration of mobility for passenger vehicles. The severe weather caused a 54-hour delay in the supply chain, with some drivers missing and others unable to move due to blocked roads. Authorities are working to trace missing drivers and clear the backlog. While most distribution centers are stocked, outlying areas may experience some stock shortages. Two people died from hypothermia during the incident, prompting emergency rescue efforts in the region.

The Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) imposed R100 million in penalties over the past year for misconduct in the financial sector, referring numerous cases to law enforcement for further investigation. The FSCA's enforcement team, led by Gerhard van Deventer, presented their findings in Durban, highlighting issues such as illegal trading, unregistered cryptocurrency scams, and fraudulent insurance practices. The authority has taken various actions, including suspending and withdrawing licenses, issuing public warnings, and focusing on regulating funeral parlours involved in unregistered insurance activities. The FSCA also addressed the risks associated with cryptocurrency investments and emphasized the importance of visible enforcement to maintain industry integrity.

South Africa's Employment and Labour Minister Thulas Nxesi announced an increase in the legal earnings threshold for employees, effective 1 April 2024, allowing more workers to benefit from basic labour protections under the Basic Conditions of Employment Act and other labour laws. The threshold will rise from R241,110.59 to R254,371.67 annually, extending protections such as overtime pay and work hour regulations to more employees, including fixed-term and temporary workers. Legal experts highlight the importance of compliance by employers and the need for employees to understand the implications of earning above the threshold, which may exclude them from certain protections. The change aims to enhance flexibility in employment relations and has been positively received as a step towards greater worker protection.

Parliament's portfolio committee on public enterprises will refer the Takatso Consortium deal for the purchase of a 51% stake in SAA to the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) following allegations of impropriety and undervaluation. The deal, which has since been terminated, was contested by former director general Kgathatso Tlhakudi, who claimed it was unlawful and undervalued SAA by R7 billion. Public Enterprises Minister Pravin Gordhan defended the deal, labeling the committee's deliberations as a 'kangaroo court.' The committee chairperson, Khaya Magaxa, emphasized the need for a thorough investigation to ensure accountability and transparency. The public enterprises department criticized Magaxa for allegedly misleading the public and overstepping his mandate.

Former Steinhoff CEO Markus Jooste allegedly committed suicide on a beach in the Western Cape. Western Cape police opened a death inquest for a 63-year-old man who died from a gunshot wound at Hermanus beach. The Financial Sector Conduct Authority fined Jooste R475 million for financial crimes at Steinhoff International Holdings and referred the case for criminal investigation. Jooste and former financial director Dirk Schreiber were found to have made false statements, overstating the business's equity by R38 billion, causing significant losses to creditors and investors. Schreiber is serving a prison sentence in Germany, while Jooste had an arrest warrant issued against him but did not appear in court.