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The article reports on economic analysts' predictions that economic growth will decline to less than 1% in South Africa. This has been noted by firms such as Absa Capital, Nedbank, and RMB, while job cuts are expected to increase in the mining, manufacturing, and retail sectors. The motor vehicle and parts sector, and textile, paper production have also noted the slow growth die to the lower demand. Though additional stimulus is being planned, the overall investment is expected to slow.

The article offers a report related to the construction industry in South Africa. It states that the booming construction industry in the country will need to double its present output of one hundred billion annually to meet the public and private sector growth targets leading to 2014. South Africa announced that three hundred seventy-two billion would be spent on infrastructure development over the next few years as a part of their campaign to halve the poverty level in the country.

The article reports that South Africa has been formally invited to join the group of emerging economies called BRIC, which consists of Brazil, Russia, India, and China. Experts believe that the accession of South Africa is in consideration of the group's economic interest in Africa. Critics noted the sluggish economic growth of the country compared with the economies of the original members. Bilateral trade between China and South Africa has also rapidly grown.

The article reports on the effort of the finance minister of South Africa, Trevor Manuel, in helping the country's economic growth. With a 41 billion Rand revenue overrun, Manuel has delivered a stimulus to economic growth in a generally expansionary budget. Manuel has increased the treasury's real growth domestic product growth to five percent for the next three years starting 2006.

The article reports on issues and topics related to the economic condition of South Africa. Indications show a positive sign of the country's economic performance. According to the International Monetary Fund, the 6 percent growth target before 2010 is achievable. This notion supports economists' views that South Africa is on a structurally higher growth path that is capable of delivering annual growth in excess of 4 percent for the next few years.

The article reports that South Africa' rapid pace of economic growth over the pat three years was well above a sustainable level of about 3.5 percent, according to a team of international economic experts led by Harvard University. The "potential" annual growth rate identified by the group advising the government is well below the Reserve Bank's estimate of 4.5 percent. South Africa's was unsustainable because it was driven by domestic demand, the panel said in final recommendations released by the treasury.

Reports that the economic development aid promised by the European Union following its proposal to cut sugar prices to African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) producers is unlikely to benefit Southern African countries. Recommendation for a direct income support for European Union sugar beet growers from its agricultural budget; Proposal of the European Commission; Sugar trade agreements between ACP countries and the European Union; Plan of Swazibank to reduce lending to sugarcane-based businesses

The article reports that a Triple Alliance summing meeting held in October 2008 spelled out a shift in economic policy that would make South Africa a "developmental state." Under the new economic policy the motor for change would be an industrialization policy that will replace forces in directing investment.

The article reports that Finance Minister of South Africa Trevor Manuel stated that the economy will grow faster in 2005 than expected. Presenting the annual Medium Term Budget Policy Statement to parliament, Manuel raised the growth forecast from what is predicted in the budget in February 2005. The findings of a study suggest that jobs are being created at a faster rate than what is in the official employment figures and that the economy may be growing at the annual rate sought by government.

Reports on the topics discussed at a conference on microfinance held at Cape Town's International Convention Centre in South Africa. Ways of integrating the first and second economies; Possibility of creating a second tier of banking services that would offer products and services to the poor; Issue on building inclusive financial systems that will promote economic growth in the region.