This month Dave Symmons, our very own Finance Director, shares insights on why we need to be optimistic as South Africans.
“There is a lot of negativity out there at the moment, which is understandable. If it makes you feel better, it is all over the world. The challenge is to be positive despite it all. You can be the exception if you want to be exceptional. If we think smart, adapt and work hard we can do it. It starts with a positive mindset – even if you have to fake it for a bit. Refuse to dwell on the negative and focus only on the opportunities.
Here are 7 positive things to hone in on for SA at the moment:
- 370 000 jobs were gained between the fourth quarter of last year and the first quarter of this year – while this is unexpected, the increase in prices, includes commodities, which means many of our industries are doing well.
- The official South African unemployment rate has decreased by 0.8 of a percentage point to 34.5% in the first quarter of this year.
- The general sentiment is that inflation in SA is nearing the peak.
- The oil price has dropped recently off its highs and is now trading almost 20% lower than in June which will hopefully ease the pressure on petrol prices.
- An increase in activity among repeat home buyers, who are not going to be put off by the sluggish economy.
- As the impact of covid wanes, the economy opens up and business activity grows.
- Our tourism industry is picking up very nicely, and our involvement in competitions like the United Rugby Championship is a great advert for our beautiful country.”
Sources: https://www.ooba.co.za/resources/property-market-south-africa/ and https://www.engineeringnews.co.za/article/south-africas-unemployment-rate-improves-modestly-to-345-in-the-first-quarter-2022-05-31/rep_id:4136