Share

Top reads on Fin24: Nearly three-quarters of SA households 'financially unwell' and why Woolies' gluten-free bread is over R50 a loaf

In case you missed it, here's a roundup of Tuesday's top economic and finance reads on Fin24.

Tavern associations say tobacco bill will choke township businesses

Illegal cigarette trade. (Photo: iStock)


Associations representing owners of taverns in township areas around the country have criticised the newly-released Control of Tobacco Products and Electronic Delivery Systems Bill, saying it will jeopardise both their profits and patrons' safety.

The bill seeks to ban most public smoking and introduce restrictions such as banning smoking within 10 metres of any doorway, window or walkway.

Nearly three-quarters of SA households 'financially unwell' - study


Research by Momentum and Unisa shows that 73.5% of SA households were "financially unwell" in 2017.

The research found that, while some households did very well during 2017, others just muddled through, while a large portion struggled immensely.

Gold Fields punished as miner forced back to the drawing board on South Deep

Gold Fields is set to restructure its giant loss-m

After years of losses and failed turnarounds, Gold Fields [JSE:GFI] is having to come up with another plan to save its massive South Deep mine. Its shares plunged.

The Johannesburg-based company may cut about 1 560 employees and contractors at the operation, its only one left in South Africa, and refocus the mine plan to reduce activity and lower costs. South Deep is the world’s second-biggest known body of gold-bearing ore and has the potential to produce for 70 years, yet more than a decade of poor performance has weighed on the company.

Why Woolies' gluten-free bread is over R50 a loaf

Expensive gluten-free bread. (Photo: Tehillah Nise


A photo of a loaf of 375g gluten-free bread at Woolworths, selling for R52.99, went viral on social media to the amusement of some while others questioned how a staple food item could be so expensive. 

A quick scan of the food aisles at the retailer reveals that specialised or health items in the 'carb clever' range usually cost around double -  sometimes more - the price of 'ordinary' products. The same applies to speciality milks like almond, rice or soya milk.

Cosatu: Further VAT exemptions may not benefit the poor


With the expert panel on the zero-rated value-added tax items having submitted its report to National Treasury, labour has questioned whether the recommendations - once implemented - will benefit the poor.

Among the items recommended to be zero-rated were white bread, sanitary pads, nappies and school uniforms.

The panel also cautioned government to ensure that benefits are not "captured" by producers. 

* Sign up to Fin24's top news in your inbox: SUBSCRIBE TO FIN24 NEWSLETTER

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Rand - Dollar
18.96
-0.1%
Rand - Pound
24.12
-0.0%
Rand - Euro
20.62
-0.2%
Rand - Aus dollar
12.40
+0.2%
Rand - Yen
0.13
+0.3%
Platinum
911.84
-1.3%
Palladium
1,018.92
-4.4%
Gold
2,161.91
+0.1%
Silver
25.15
+0.5%
Brent Crude
86.89
+1.8%
Top 40
66,252
0.0%
All Share
72,430
0.0%
Resource 10
53,317
0.0%
Industrial 25
100,473
0.0%
Financial 15
16,622
0.0%
All JSE data delayed by at least 15 minutes Iress logo
Company Snapshot
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE
Government tenders

Find public sector tender opportunities in South Africa here.

Government tenders
This portal provides access to information on all tenders made by all public sector organisations in all spheres of government.
Browse tenders