Ask anyone about the rules and regulations concerning schooling in South Africa, and you’re not going to get a straight answer. Even officials are unable to provide clear guidelines. Yet what is clear is that many...
Formal education in South Africa is categorised according to three levels – General Education and Training (GET), Further Education and Training (FET) and Higher Education (HE)....
According to Leighton McDonald, Executive Manager of Qualsa, Metropolitan Health Group’s risk management arm, costs for medical schemes are soaring due to the high price of hospitalisation, lack of preventative...
Spreading risks is an essential part of insurance so that the misfortunes of the few can be shared by the many. Well, up to a point.
People who are just plain casual about their security, or who drive...
Private motorists should check their insurance policies if they are planning to join a car-pool. They should to make sure they are covered in the event of injury or damage to the vehicle in situations where passengers...
In my budget preview I expressed the view that this year’s budget would not lend itself to much creativity, but as always the Minister of Finance has managed to spring a surprise or two on us.
Comments...
“We are most encouraged by the removal of Secondary Tax on Companies (STC),” comments Mdu Bophela, Head of Solutions for New Businesses at First National Bank (FNB). “This should have a positive effect on investment...
Someone in the pensions industry suggested recently that paying 3% initial fee and 1,25% a year for an investment into a unit trust seemed like a lot of money. It brought home the fact that even those involved in the...
The Ombudsman for Short-Term Insurance says he received more complaints than ever before in 2006, and recovered the highest amount of money on behalf of consumers. There was an increase of 24,8 % in formal complaints...
Old Mutual recently gathered all its various investment services into one business unit to be called Omigsa (Old Mutual Investment Group SA). The outcome is essentially a dozen ‘performance driven’ offerings dubbed ‘...
In the relative pedestrian pace of cricket tests there is much time for contemplation, if only to offset moments of possible boredom. Nic Andrew, head of Nedgroup Investments, has evidently been struck by how many...
How much would your capital be worth today had you invested the then equivalent of R50 into SA equities and R50 into global equities at the end of December 1925? The quick answer is that SA equities would have...
Retail investors should watch their ‘weight’ in 2007, says Stanlib. This refers to different weightings in an investment portfolio for various asset classes such as equities, bonds, cash and property to reflect an...
From 9th January 2007 Telkom introduced compulsory 10-digit dialling for South Africa. It had reasonable publicity and most users will have got used to this by now. From mid-March all misdialled calls will be routed...
Consumers just know they are being ripped off by local cellular phone providers in South Africa. Following its findings announced recently the Independent Communications Authority of SA is launching an investigation...
RMB Private Bank, in line with owner First National Bank, introduced a third-tier Internet security level with its One Time PIN during the period 18th – 22nd March 2007. But all WAs not well. But before we go into...
The consequences of being caught drinking and driving are more than just a lost licence, a fine, or even a jail term. Culprits could also end up with hefty repair bills and liability costs that would not be covered by...
The ambiguous wording in a motor vehicle mechanical breakdown insurance policy should not penalise the buyer Charles Pillai, the Ombud for Financial Services Providers, has ruled.
In ordering a Springs...
The 2007 Budget, in which individuals will again benefit from increased money in their pockets, highlights the necessity for sound financial advice.
“The Budget will assist individuals and businesses to...
The admission of learners to ordinary public schools is subject to no less than 16 Acts of Parliament, as amended. They are confusing, sometimes impenetrable, and on occasion obviously inconsistent. The list is not...
Behind the security gates, reserved parking, and the secretarial assistant lurks an impenetrable tribe of close-knit teachers and their school principal. Added to their armoury is a secret organisation known...
Free markets are often touted as the economic mainstay of the civilised world. It is the best arbiter of the utilisation of resources, fosters healthy competition and creates wealth through rewarding hard work....
A New Year often brings with it major life changes for many people: moving house, switching jobs and possibly growing a family. All of these mean adjustments to your finances and insurance needs so it’s an ideal time...
The Social Security and Retirement Reform discussion paper, published by the National Treasury in February 2007, sets out proposed reforms to the retirement funding landscape.
According to Tiny Carroll,...
The Association of Collective Investments (ACI) has requested its members to begin calculating Total Expense Ratios (TER) with effect from 1st April 2007. These ratios are retrospectively calculated expenses,...
From this month life companies will no longer apply existing HIV/Aids exclusions to life and disability policies. This a general agreement ratified by the Life Offices’ Association (LOA).
Gerhard Joubert...
In a quiet unannounced move, the SA Government ratified Montreal Convention 1999 (M99) on 14th December 2006, some eight years after signing it. The SA Legislation was subjected to The Carriage By Air Amendment Act....
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