For Creamer Media in Johannesburg, I’m Thabi Madiba.

Making headlines: Good news as SA's unemployment rate improves; South Africa central bank flags risks of erratic power, high debt; And, Analyst says Dlamini-Zuma should not be ruled out of ANC presidential race

 

Good news as SA's unemployment rate improves

The official unemployment rate declined further to 32.9% in the third quarter of 2022, from 33.9% in the second.

Unemployment hit a record high of 35.3% in the fourth quarter of 2021.

The Quarterly Labour Force Survey shows that 204 000 jobs were gained between the second and third quarter of 2022. 

The largest job gains were in manufacturing, trade, construction and transport.

Job losses were however recorded in the finance sector, private households, mining and agriculture.

 

South Africa central bank flags risks of erratic power

South Africa's unreliable power supply and its high level of government debt are two of the main risks to its financial stability, the country's central bank said on Tuesday.

Africa's most developed economy has seen 170 days of rolling blackouts this year due to a maintenance backlog of State utility Eskom's ageing coal-fired power plants.

This has not only hit corporate productivity but also hurt investor sentiment, the South African Reserve Bank said in its biannual health check of the financial system.

It said insufficient and unreliable electricity supply is likely to threaten the viability of some corporates, especially small and medium-sized enterprises and, added that this could spill over into the financial sector.

 

And, Analyst says Dlamini-Zuma should not be ruled out of ANC presidential race

Despite receiving a meagre 81 branch nominations compared to President Cyril Ramaphosa's 2 037, and former health minister Zweli Mkhize's 916, Cogta Minister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma remains adamant that her pursuit of the African National Congress presidency remains on track.

In a video posted on social media, Dlamini-Zuma thanked those who were campaigning on her behalf.

Political analyst Ongama Mtimka said the ANC presidential race was not over and pointed out that Ramaphosa and Mkhize were both facing comprosing scandals.

He said while her chances may look very slim at the moment, Dlamini-Zuma is still in with a chance.

 

That’s a roundup of news making headlines today

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