Yacoob Cassim, Author at Al Ansaar

Saudi Arabia completes First Phase of Neom s Line 50 Billion Dollars Spent so far

Leave a Comment / Lifestyle / Yacoob Cassim

Neom confirmed the first phase of The Line was completed. The Hidden Marina as this segment of the giga project is called has been fully constructed. The structure stretches 2.5 kilometres and rising to 500 metres high, Hidden Marina will consist of three connected modules, designed to have the domestic amenities for over 200,00 residents […]

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For the first time in South Africa’s history, in an unprecedented move by the government of President Cyril Ramaphosa not seen since the dawn of Democracy the Budget speech has been postponed. The joint session of Parliament in the City Hall of Cape Town was in uproar. They were left reeling from the postponement with a bitter taste in the mouths. The news was broadcasted across the country yesterday afternoon as National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza delivered the announcement that the tabling of the Budget Speech for 2025/2026 has been postponed to a later date. Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana was due to deliver the Budget speech to parliament. Even before then there was concern about increased taxes. “I have just had a consultation with all the Whips of parties following a consultation with the leader of government business (Andrew Garfield Whitfield). In terms of rule 48 sub-section 2, we have decided to adjourn proceedings for a date to be determined by the programming committee. This is in accordance with rule 10. “Before we started the session, we were informed by the leader of government business…that while we have gathered here to have the Minister of Finance presenting the budget to this august House, there has not been agreement in terms of parties in the executive to actually find one another in proposals of the budget…about where there are possible increases. “Cabinet therefore decided not to come and do a presentation of the budget and allow themselves enough time to relook at the budget and come back to this House in March at the time at which they will inform us,” she said. These were National Assembly Speaker Didizia’s words on the postponement. The purpose for the sudden postponement was that coalition members of the Government of National Unity (GNU) had opposed an increase on the Value Added Tax (VAT). This would raise the price on almost all goods and services produced. The risk was to see it implemented at a time when most consumers had to contend with rising inflation. The Congress of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu) the country’s largest trade union federation had already warned they would resort to nation-wide strikes over any proposed increases to tax income. The build-up of outrage was already being felt by every sector of South African society. The threat by the Democratic Alliance to with draw from the governing coalition was a serious matter. It could have undermined the hold on power by the African National Congress (ANC) and led to the dissolution of the government and parliament. New elections would have taken place. Ahead of the speech, reports surfaced that the Value Added Tax (VAT) was set to increase by 2% to 17%. However, because of disagreements within parties who are part of the Government of National Unity (GNU), the budget was postponed. The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) said they reject any increases in VAT which will place the burden of revenue generation on the poor! Speaker of Parliament Thoko Didiza said party chief whips held a meeting and agreed to a postponement so that they can reach a consensus over contentious issues, including the reported VAT increase. Protocols were followed, however there will be a hike in volatile public outrage over the increase being proposed to the VAT. This would have been nothing compared to the outpouring of anger had Minister of Finance Enoch Godongwana gone ahead with the speech. It would have been a funeral march for the president and the government. The EFF and Umkhonto We Sizwe (MK) would have called on their supporters to stir up chaos. A consensus would definitely have been needed to avert political unrest over the budget speech delay. However, the government has responsibility to reduce unnecessary expenditure. State fiscal policy must not shift the burden of the government leadership’s lack of responsibility on the people.

Budget Speech Delayed in Unprecedented Move Shockwaves Radiate

Leave a Comment / Business / Yacoob Cassim

For the first time in South Africa’s history, in an unprecedented move by the government of President Cyril Ramaphosa not seen since the dawn of Democracy the Budget speech has been postponed. The joint session of Parliament in the City Hall of Cape Town was in uproar. They were left reeling from the postponement with

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Kaizer Chiefs attracts New Recruits Options for Price being weighed

Leave a Comment / Sports / Yacoob Cassim

Kaizer Chiefs is looking to welcome new players to its team. The Soccer Players’ Club has let go of Thatyaone Ditlhokwe. In his place a new sportsman could enter the team. Kaizer Chiefs has officially confirmed the departure of Botswana international defender Ditlhokwe to join Libyan Soccer club Al-Ittihad. With Ditlhokwe’s departure, a door has

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Outrage Ahead of Finance Minister s Budget Speech Taxes Could Increase

Leave a Comment / Business / Yacoob Cassim

Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana is going to have a difficult week ahead. It will depend on how he balances the government’s budget for the year to the rest of South Africa’s economic interests. At risk of a tax on sugar that those involved in that industry say will kill jobs. These Agriculture workers want the

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New Hope for Durban as Great opportunities created for Environment and Investments

Leave a Comment / Business / Yacoob Cassim

Durban North area is going to receive a make over from the combined efforts of NGO EnviroFixers and local business. An island on Kelvin Place in Durban North was given an incredible transformation, by the Durban North Conservancy and eThekwini-based Dykes van Heerden (DVH). It is all part of the Adopt-A-Spot programme offered by the

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Family Triumphs At 52nd aQuelle Midmar Mile

Leave a Comment / Sports / Yacoob Cassim

KwaZulu-Natal played host to the 52nd aQuelle Midmar Mile swimming race. These are a series of races held once a year at the Midmar Mile. The Midmar is a time of great gathering of both professional and amateur swimmers. It occurs around every February from the 8th to the 9th and is an invitation for

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South Africa’s Business Relations with United States Take Sour Turn

Leave a Comment / Business / Yacoob Cassim

South Africa finds itself in a tight spot with United States President Donald J. Trump. Trump has passed a controversial executive order last week titled “Egregious Actions of the Republic of South Africa”. The order referred to the Land Expropriation Act signed by President Cyril Ramaphosa over two weeks ago. Trump’s Executive Order calls the

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Ramaphosa Plans to Go Digital with Government and Public Services

Leave a Comment / Technology / Yacoob Cassim

In his state of the Nation Address (SONA) last week Thursday night President Cyril Ramaphosa had announced he was committing himself and the Government of National Unity (GNU) to leveraging the latest models of technology and Artificial Intelligence (AI) as South Africa adopts smart policing solutions to modernize crime-fighting efforts. The country faces several issues,

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