Dr Azar Jammine Is Director And Chief Economist Of Econometrix

Loading player...
Ratings agency S&P Global has issued a stark warning to SA, suggesting there is a risk of further downgrades for the country in two weeks’ time.MD for S&P Global Sub-Saharan Africa Konrad Reuss, speaking at the Consumer Goods Council Summit in Johannesburg on Wednesday, said the ratings agency may further downgrade the country later in November.
“The next big announcement will be on November 22. There will certainly be a very controversial committee discussion because at this point we have a new medium-term budget policy statement (MTBPS) with a lot of bad news but with very little action or action plan.” His comments come just after Moody’s Investors Service revised the country’s outlook to negative on November 1, citing a lack of action by the government to address increasing state-owned enterprises’ (SOEs) debt, high unemployment, and a deteriorating fiscal position.
6 Nov 2019 11AM English South Africa Business News · Investing

Other recent episodes

The Unseen Household Tax of Global Tensions

Old Mutual’s Financial Education Programme Manager, Thabo Hollo explains how global geopolitical tensions — from oil supply shocks to inflation risks — are silently eroding household budgets. He outlines the four steps consumers should take now to protect their financial wellbeing.
30 Apr 4PM 9 min

How Online Gambling Is Reshaping SA Spending

Online betting has overtaken casinos as South Africa’s biggest gambling channel. Reona Chetty from Vouch SA explains the data behind the boom, the behavioural patterns emerging in card transactions, and the financial red flags households should watch for.
30 Apr 4PM 15 min

How to Stay Financially Afloat in 2026

With inflation rising, fuel costs climbing, and real salaries slipping, more households are using credit just to get through the month. Momentum’s Salem Nyati breaks down the behavioural shifts, the warning signs of debt distress, and the practical steps families can take to regain control.
30 Apr 4PM 9 min

SA Salary Index: Why Real Earnings Are Falling Behind

South Africans are earning slightly more on paper — but losing ground in reality. Economist Elize Kruger unpacks the latest PayInc Net Salary Index, the 1% real decline in earnings, and why rising fuel prices and corporate caution could squeeze households even further in 2026.
30 Apr 4PM 15 min

How Currency Volatility Is Hitting South African SMEs

A new Verto report warns that currency volatility is now a bigger threat to SME margins than logistics. Rumbi Shoniwa from Verto SA explains how FX swings erode profits and the practical steps SMEs can take to protect themselves.
29 Apr 3PM 11 min