This week on Rands and Sense, Natale Labia and Irshaad Kathrada tackle a trio of pressing issues shaping South Africa and the world.

First, we dive into the South African Reserve Bank's latest interest rate cut and the heated debate on inflation targeting. With CPI dipping to 2.8% year-on-year, is the push for a lower inflation range good policy, or does it risk further straining South African consumers?

Next, we unpack the drama of COP29. Is the climate conference platform unraveling, and can funding commitments bridge the $1.3 trillion gap the global south faces? Backroom deals and bold pledges abound, but is it enough?

Finally, we zoom out to global affairs: South Africa takes the G20 presidency with big ambitions for a truly African agenda, and Donald Trump announces fresh tariffs.

This week on Rands and Sense, Natale Labia and Irshaad Kathrada unpack the whirlwind of global and local news. Starting with the U.S. elections, we dissect what went wrong for the Democrats, whether Kamala Harris's campaign faltered, or if Donald Trump’s resurgence was simply inevitable. What does this new administration signal for America’s future?

Next, we shift gears to climate diplomacy at COP. How does a Trump presidency impact the global climate agenda? With the U.S. potentially stepping back, is the COP framework doomed, or can other nations keep the momentum alive?

Finally, we return to South Africa, celebrating improved unemployment numbers with 294,000 new jobs created in Q3 2024, and a record number of people employed in the country. But is the economy truly on the mend, or are we grasping at straws? Join us for a sharp analysis of the good, the bad, and what’s next for SA's recovery.

In this episode of Rands and Sense, Irshaad Kathrada and Natale Labia dig into South Africa’s latest medium-term budget policy statement and unpack its optimistic tone versus its gloomier numbers. They explore the implications to the SA economy as Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana attempts to balance growth and fiscal responsibility while setting the scene for South Africa’s G20 leadership next year.

In Part 2, we discuss the upcoming US elections and what either a Trump or Harris administration could mean for South Africa’s future under the African Growth Opportunities Act. Could a shift in US leadership impact the 113,000 South African jobs supported by this trade act?

In Part 3, we assess the global economic scene as emerging markets appear poised for a comeback, with cooling inflation and potential interest rate cuts in the US. Can South Africa seize the moment? Join us for insights on the interconnected challenges and opportunities for South Africa’s economy and its place on the world stage.

In this debut episode of Rands and Sense, hosts Irshaad Kathrada and Natale Labia reflect on the first 100 days of South Africa’s new Government of National Unity and what it means for the nation's economic future. As Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana prepares to deliver the coalition government's first budget policy statement, we discuss the critical crossroads South Africa faces: fiscal discipline, structural reforms, and the quest for sustainable growth.