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This study aims to examine the internal determinants of financial performance of food supermarkets listed on the South African stock exchange. Food supermarkets play an integral role in socio-economic development of the country. The study employed an econometric approach utilizing fixed effect panel data. Drawing information from audited financial statements, data were gathered from four major listed food supermarkets in South Africa covering the period from 1994 to 2022, resulting in a total of 116 observations over 29 years. The robust longitudinal statistics obtained from balanced data revealed a significant positive correlation between equity financing, size of corporate governance, and current debt with financial performance, as measured by sales revenue at 0.0000, 0.054, and 0.000 significance levels, respectively. The findings indicate that as these variables increase, the financial performance of the studied food supermarkets (Shoprite, Woolworths, Spar, and Pick n Pay) also increases. Conversely, a negative and significant relationship is noted between company age, current assets, and financial performance at significance levels of 0.007 and 0.002, respectively. This suggests that as these variables increase, financial performance will decrease. As per the research findings, it is imperative for supermarkets to uphold a well-rounded blend of equity and debt and adopt inventive business approaches as they mature to improve financial outcomes. Therefore, the study proposes a framework focusing on internal factors that impact the financial performance of listed food supermarkets in South Africa.

The tourism industry is a substantial contributor to the South African economy. The main aim of this study is to analyse the tourism industry's performance during the Covid-19 pandemic, with specific reference to tourism accommodation income, and to shed light on the recovery prospects of the tourism industry and the overall South African economy. The study followed a descriptive research design and quantitative method using secondary data obtained from Statistics South Africa. The data covers a span of over 16 years, from January 2007 to May 2023. Results indicated that the economic impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the tourism industry was marked by a drastic drop in total income at the height of the pandemic, which coincided with similar performance of the overall economy. The tourism industry as well as the overall economy showed a V-shape recovery with a negative trendline suggesting their recovery potential and the need for sustained efforts by industry players and policymakers for full recovery in the medium term. Among the strategies for full recovery are diverse offerings by tourist accommodation providers, intensified digital marketing campaigns and providing exceptional service experiences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The authors offer insights on the industrial revolution and the readiness of the South African economy for it. Topics discussed include the results of the 2020 Future of Jobs report published by the World Economic Forum, the result of the multiple government lockdowns endured by the majority of workforces during the COVID-19 pandemic, and their argument that employers should not discriminate against employees who choose to work from home.

The author presents insights on the riots, looting, theft and vandalism that occurred across South Africa in July 2021, which exposed the country's economic problems that have been exacerbated by the coronavirus pandemic. Topics discussed include the spirit of South African resilience following these events, the gap between the rich and poor and its causes, the growth in unemployment and poverty in the country, and the role of the Constitutional Court in the July mayhem.

Ramaphosa told a judicial panel probing the plunder of state assets under Zuma: "We have been through a period of state capture that really debilitated a number of state institutions." South Africa's intelligence agency became weakened by corruption under ex-president Jacob Zuma, his successor Cyril Ramaphosa said on August 12th, weeks after unprecedented unrest overwhelmed the police and prompted deployment of the military. South Africa's gross domestic product (GDP) contracted by 7% in 2020 and the fiscal deficit is estimated to have reached 12.9% of GDP resulting in rising public debt which reached 78.8% of GDP in 2020. [Extracted from the article]