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1 week ago | 
sowetanlive.co.za | Khulekani Magubane |Sibongile Mashaba |Freddy Mavunda
Reserve Bank governor Lesetja Kganyago. File image The Reserve Bank's decision to cut the repo rate by 25 basis points, bringing it to 7.25% has been welcomed as a positive move which will bring much relief to consumers. Governor Lesetja Kganyago on Thursday announced the second repo rate cut of the year, saying higher trade barriers and global uncertainty dampen the global growth outlook.
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2 months ago | 
sowetanlive.co.za | Michelle Banda |Sibongile Mashaba |Antonio Muchave
Hundreds of people in Gauteng took part in #JusticeforCwecwe protests over the rape of a seven-year-old girl in October last year. There’s been an alarming increase in the abuse and sexual harassment of pupils by teachers in South African schools, with 111 cases reported to the Education Labour Relations Council in 2024/2025.
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2 months ago | 
sowetanlive.co.za | Sibongile Mashaba |Jeanette Chabalala |Lindile Sifile |Esa Alexander
Finance minister Enoch Godongwana delivers his 2025 budget speech in Cape Town on Wednesday. He has announced a revised VAT increase. The government has expanded the basket of zero-rated food items as it increased VAT to 16% by the 2026/27 financial year, but analysts say this hike will drive the prices of essential goods adding strain to households. A 0.5 percentage point increase will be implemented from May this year and another half a percentage point increase effected in April next year.
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Jan 20, 2025 | 
sowetanlive.co.za | Sibongile Mashaba
This year is 20-20-thrive. Thrive means to grow, flourish and develop. What this means is, many of us have set goals we want to achieve over the next 11 months and few days remaining this year, say the writer. With the first month of the new year almost over, it's probably a good time to pause and reflect on your overall health. Maybe you've only been to the gym once and you're not eating those greens. We're here to listen and won't judge.
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Jan 8, 2025 | 
sowetanlive.co.za | Sibongile Mashaba
And just like that it’s back to reality. The new year allows us to start on a clean slate. I’ve seen so many people posting on social media, saying they do not want to finish 2025 the same way they closed 2024 — with no savings. I must say, it is refreshing to see people taking savings seriously as South Africans are known for not saving.
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Dec 11, 2024 | 
sowetanlive.co.za | Sibongile Mashaba
Self-control is differentiating between wants and needs. I want sneakers, they are not a need. Discipline. It is probably the most important thing to do if you want to change how you manage your finances. For me, as someone who loves sneakers, discipline is getting an email from one of your favourite brands, telling you that you need a new pair, but you ignore it. It helps you stay on track and meet your goals. Self-control is differentiating between wants and needs.
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Dec 9, 2024 | 
sowetanlive.co.za | Sibongile Mashaba
oratilwe and mother Mapula Molusi./SUPPLIED Nothing could have ever prepared Mapula Molusi for news that her little girl, Oratilwe, had a rare blood disorder, aplastic anaemia. For months, there was a desperate search for nine-year-old Oratilwe’s stem cell donor match to save her life with no luck. “The day Oratilwe was diagnosed with aplastic anaemia – a rare but serious blood disorder – my whole world came to a halt. I couldn’t go to work, I couldn’t focus on anything else.
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Dec 9, 2024 | 
sowetanlive.co.za | Sibongile Mashaba
Here's an explanation on how peripheral bloodstem cell collection is done and what happens thereafter: Preliminary medical assessment of the donor in collection centre duration: One day, including travelling After the preliminary assessment duration: Generally 14-21 days Preparation for the collection (day 4): Stimulation of the stem cells with the naturally occurring growth factor (granulocyte colony-stimulating factor) will start four days before your collection date Possible side effects...
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Dec 4, 2024 | 
sowetanlive.co.za | Sibongile Mashaba
Tips for managing spending based on your money personality:Become more goal-oriented: Focus on long-term objectives, such as saving for retirement or paying off debt. Practice the pain of paying: This strategy helps individuals recognise the psychological impact of spending money, making it easier to resist temptation. Visualisation:Visualising the rewards of saving rather than spending can help reinforce prudentfinancialdecisions.
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Nov 27, 2024 | 
sowetanlive.co.za | Sibongile Mashaba
Nicholson gives tips to help you manage your finances:Review your medical aid plan: Medical aid providers allow members to change their plans at the end of each year, effective on January 1. Ensure your plan still meets your needs. Double check that dependents are adequately covered and that you’ve optimised your annual benefits. If you consider switching to a new provider, be aware of possible waiting periods or exclusions.
