Covid-19 23.3.2020 12:14 pm

How Covid-19 panic buying reveals SA’s inequalities

The majority of consumers in SA are unable to fill up a trolley in the best of times, let alone to finance a serious stockpile.

Pictures of empty shelves and long queues have pervaded all forms of media in South Africa over the past few days. These scenes are not unlike those in other parts of the world as many consumers succumb to panic buying, in fear of running out of toilet paper – among other essential items.

Talking Point Public approval is Ramaphosa’s only defence against his enemies in the ANC

Ultimately, it is critical that Ramaphosa appreciates that salvation lies outside the ANC rather inside.

Talking Point South Africa has huge ‘green fuels’ potential. But it needs to act now

There is a golden opportunity for SA to transition from being a key contributor to global warming to becoming a key contributor to global emissions reductions.

Talking Point Inflexible unionists beware: It’s SAA today, Eskom tomorrow

If we needed a clearer message from the state that it is no longer business as usual, it is SAA’s move into business rescue.

Talking Point Indigenous peoples are actually in favour of River Club development

This will be the realisation of a dream we have fought for throughout the resurgence of the our people.

Talking Point Is South Africa on the brink of a tax revolt?

People have become more restive about paying taxes to a government mired in allegations of corruption.

Talking Point Every day now a battle against extinction for humanity

The time to think anew about climate change and act is now, as time is of the essence.

Politics SA’s white liberals chose white politics in 1968. And chose it again in 2019

The white liberal establishment, both inside and outside the DA, holds on to its race-blindness by distorting the idea of non-racialism.

Business News Amid the hundreds of billions in pledges, Ramaphosa still has his work cut out

Unless the big issues are addressed, many may continue viewing events like the investment conference simply as mere talk shops.

Talking Point We need to talk about Mmusi – IRR

The institute’s head of media responds to the former DA leader saying some of its members don’t want ‘a reconciled South Africa that redresses historical injustices’.

Talking Point Freedom of thought is under attack – here’s how to save your mind

To lose freedom of thought would be to lose something uniquely human.

Crime Robert McBride hits back at investigative ‘hatchet job’ against him and IPID

RIGHT OF REPLY: The former IPID boss claims that recent exposés about the police watchdog don’t grasp the full picture.

Talking Point Xenophobia puts South Africa’s moral authority in Africa at risk

Xenophobia negates the spirit of pan-Africanism, especially its ideal that Africans share a mutual bond, regardless of their geographical location.

Africa Zimbabwe’s deepening crisis: time for second government of national unity?

Robert Mugabe may be dead, but the ghost of decades of ruin remain.

Talking Point There are more ways to live a decent life than just through money

Government has struggled for many years to develop the right policies to beat poverty.

Talking Point Treating drug users as criminals is the last thing Cape Town needs

A new approach to criminalisation could end the drug wars on the Cape Flats.

Talking Point For Malema and others attacking the courts, it could come back to bite them

Those viciously criticising the rule of law today are likely to need the same courts to protect them in future.

Talking Point South Africa is caught in the global hype of the fourth industrial revolution

Even a cursory glance at earlier industrial revolutions will show that they have not been associated with the interests of the working or underclasses.

Talking Point Mkhwebane appears to be fighting against the law itself

The irony of the current public protector is that her office only exists because of the Constitution, the supreme law. But that does not seem to be what she is being loyal to.

Talking Point We now know the rich bought themselves a state president

Right now, the president looks increasingly like a mercenary whose legitimacy is guaranteed by money.

Talking Point The long road to legal sex work in SA winds on

The issue of decriminalisation remains hotly contested, with the president often throwing his weight behind the move.