When it comes to stats, businessmen and politicians must know their place
As the world teeters towards World War 3, with its epicentre being the Middle East, and as back home in South Africa those empowered to guide government policy through observation of statistics now throwing rotten eggs at particularly the Quarterly Labour Force Survey, I pen this article to remind ourselves globally and locally that statistics as a conduit of trust has helped ensure that the spectre of a war fails to arise in almost eight decades. Yet signs are clear that we face the barrel of this spectre...
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The South African
6 days ago
- The South African
Is South Africa a 'safe haven' IF World War 3 breaks out?
South Africa has been named as one of the countries considered a 'safe haven' in the case of World War 3 breaking out. While US President Donald Trump announced a cease-fire in the Israel and Iran conflict, both have been accused of violating the conditions. Over the past 12 days, the countries have engaged in countless missile attacks on each other over a dispute on nuclear weapons. Hundreds of civilians are believed to have died, although an accurate death toll has yet to be confirmed. In the early hours of Tuesday morning, US President Donald Trump announced that a ceasefire had been called between Israel and Iran. The countries have engaged in 12 days of warfare over Iran's development of nuclear weapons. Trump claimed on his Truth Social networ that both countries had to be 'peaceful and respectful' and that the prospect of World War 3 was now a thing of the past. However, a short time later, reports emerged that both Iran and Israel had violated the ceasfire aggreement. Acknowledging the reports, Trump ordered Israel to 'not drop those bombs' and 'turn around their planes and head home'. He added: 'Nobody will be hurt. The ceasefire is in effect'. Could this drastically change and the world find itself on the brink of another war? On social media, the concept of World War 3 has sent many into panic mode. Global citizens have concerned about if their country could be drafted into the conflict, and how it will affect their livelihoods. Others are even preparing to flee to out of fear of possible danger. Some have even compiled a list of 'safe haven' countries With it's mountains, caves and crevices, South Africa finds itself as a possible place to 'shield' from a global war. According to reports, an 'abundant food sources, fertile land, and access to freshwater' make it a 'strong prospect for self-sufficiency'.. Here is a list of other countries currently on the World War 3 'safe haven' list: Switzerland Argentina Iceland Chile Indonesia Greenland New Zealand Antartica While South Africa has resources in abundance to survive World War 3, it could become a potential target given its historical allegiance to Iran and the Middle East. In 2023, SA brought a case of genocide against Israel in the International Court of Justice (ICJ) over its conflict in Gaza. EFF leader Julius Malema has publicly backed Iran's strikes on Israel. Addressing party members at a funeral over the weekend, he said: 'We reject the bullying of this nation by the United States, Israel, and its allies, and we stand by their right to defend themselves by any means necessary. He added: 'Let Israel finally have a taste of the devastation and violence it has perpetrated in Gaza.' Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 . Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp , Facebook , X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
TimesLIVE
23-06-2025
- TimesLIVE
When it comes to stats, businessmen and politicians must know their place
As the world teeters towards World War 3, with its epicentre being the Middle East, and as back home in South Africa those empowered to guide government policy through observation of statistics now throwing rotten eggs at particularly the Quarterly Labour Force Survey, I pen this article to remind ourselves globally and locally that statistics as a conduit of trust has helped ensure that the spectre of a war fails to arise in almost eight decades. Yet signs are clear that we face the barrel of this spectre...
IOL News
17-06-2025
- IOL News
HOW GNU WORSENED YOUTH'S PLIGHT
PROBLEM: Youth unemployment crisis in South Africa Image: Ron Lach/Pexels THE 46.1% unemployment rate among young people, the worst in the world, is proof that the Government of National Unity (GNU) has no plans to address the crisis, say political analysts. Monday marked 49 years since the 1976 Soweto Uprising where scores of youth protested against Afrikaans being enforced as the exclusive medium of instruction in African schools. Unemployment among young people dominated Monday's commemoration, with questions being raised about the effectiveness of the GNU since its establishment about a year ago following the May 2024 elections. Young people between the ages of 15 and 34 make up just over half of South Africa's working-age population, about 20.9 million people. The latest data from the Quarterly Labour Force Survey shows that more than half of young people aged between 18 and 34 are unemployed. Deputy President Paul Mashatile conceded on Monday that this is one of the highest levels the country has ever seen, and it is of grave concern University of the Free State politics lecturer, Sanet Solomons said unemployment and access to quality education remained a challenge as hundreds of schools remain understaffed and under-resourced. 'This is detrimental to those that show promise as their environmental challenges will overshadow their capabilities, leaving them stuck in a cycle of poverty. To date thousands of graduates still have not managed to access the workforce; while some earn a minimum wage that can barely cover their household expenses amid the rising cost of living. Thus, reinforcing the sentiment that very few opportunities exist for this segment of society. Many expected a different outcome or better opportunities under a government of national unity, but these hopes have been dashed as the youth still struggles decades later. As the country commemorates this day, it should be mindful of those who live in poverty with limited access to opportunities. Better needs to be done for them," she said. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Political analyst professor Sipho Seepe said the GNU had prioritised 'nothing beyond spending an inordinate amount of time trying to justify its existence'. 'Last year was all about internecine bickering. This stems from major flaws in foundations. The ANC's share of the vote declined by a humongous 17 percent in one electoral cycle. This is a damning statement than Ramaphosa's version that says the voters wanted political parties to work together. On the other hand, the DA is on record in ensuring that the demise of the ANC happens pretty soon. There is no love lost between the ANC and the DA. Under the ANC-DA coalition, unemployment among the youth continues to skyrocket to unmanageable levels.' He said the ANC of Ramaphosa has not only failed but has reversed whatever gains were made in the last 30 years. 'So there is nothing that the youth should expect from it beyond revolutionary sounding statements signifying nothing,' said Seepe. Addressing the National Youth Day commemoration, in Potchefstroom, North West on Monday, Mashatile said was also deeply worrying was the growing number of young people who are not in education, employment, or training. 'The current figure stands at about 3.8 million. Among 15–24-year-olds, 37.1% fall into this category, with young women being slightly more affected than young men. If we look at the wider age group of 15–34 years, the rate is even higher at 45.1%. Even our graduates are struggling, with nearly 1 in 4 graduates (23.9%) struggling to gain employment. This is more than just an economic issue. It is a moral emergency. We must fix the structural challenges in our economy to address inequality and skills mismatch between education and what the job market needs.'
