The Credit Ombud reports a drop in complaints related to emolument attachment orders (EAO) after the so-called Stellenbosch case, which is now before the Constitutional Court. But the Credit Ombud's annual report for 2015 also shows how dodgy law firms are creating fictitious debts and some unregistered credit providers are refusing to furnish statements of account when asked to do so by customers.
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Leon Louw argues that capitalism is the most abused and misdefined word in use today. Like "left wing" and "right wing". These words have become smears to stiffle debate and authenticate the state's capture of basic liberties.
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The ANC has made a strategic blunder in throwing its support behind their crippled leader, Jacob Zuma, writes Allister Sparks. That will come back to haunt the party. But we are slowly learning how a compromised cabinet, packed with Zuma toadies, were all set to green light the building of several Russian-made nuclear reactors, and how the Guptas and Zumas were going to make a killing. Former finance minister Nhlanhla Nene blocked the deal and was fired. Here's how it went down.
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Herman Mashaba founded the cosmetics group Black Like Me in the teeth of apartheid oppression and has built several successful businesses since then. Last year he announced he was joining the Democratic Alliance and has put his name forward as a mayoral candidate for Johannesburg. He wants to see an end to all race-based legislation, the repeal of Section 32 of the Labour Relations Act that extends collective bargaining agreements to companies that are not party to these agreements, and focus instead on building the small business sector. What would Joburg look like under Mayor Mashaba?
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Several South Africans were fingered in the so-called Panama Papers expose which detailed how "the rich and powerful hide their money in off-shore tax shelters". Among them were Zimplats, Fidentia and President Zuma's nephew, Khulubuse Zuma. But as Moonofalabama.org points out, this selective leak is a classic blackmail tactic against enemies of the US empire.
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Despite the commentariat's claim that only the ANC can reform itself, the Democratic Alliance is right to ignore them and proceed to bring impeachment proceedings against President Zuma, writes Gareth van Onselen.
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Johann Rupert is accused of being racist, monopolist and a thief by some interesting people. This comes at a time when the ruling party is trying to change the subject from Nkandla, the Guptas and Zuma. Predictable stuff, but Leon Louw sets the record straight.
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A recent decision by a California court opens the door for homeowners who were wrongfully dispossessed of their homes to pursue legal action against banks, even if they were in default, according to the LA Times.
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A recent analysis by the Wall Street Journal reveals that precious little of the $110 billion in damages awarded against banks for mortgage fraud and irregularities did not go to the 6m homeowners who lost their properties. Most of it went to the Treasury.
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Socialism proceeds afoot despite more than a century of evidence that it is a catastrophic failure. Those who belong to this church are motivated by selfish interests, ignorance, or immunity from evidence, argues Leon Louw. All the stated objectives of socialism - especially uplifting the poor - are better achieved by free market principles.
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SA National Roads Agency (Sanral) is threatening to issue summonses against motorists who refuse to pay their e-tolls. This probably signals the end of the e-tolls system. Some of the best legal minds in the country are lining up to defend Gauteng motorists against Sanral with the aim of sinking this ill-begotten scheme.
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The contribution of white South Africans to the fall of apartheid is frequently underplayed, but a recent event hosted by the Free Market Foundation put the record straight.
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Given the rash of revelations of SA's "capture" by the Guptas, the disastrous hiring and firing in the finance ministry, and the "nothing going on here" attitude of the ANC, a ratings downgrade seems inevitable. The smugness of the ruling party in the face of disaster is reminiscent of the dying years of the National Party.
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Revelations that the wealthy Gupta family have been offering ministerial posts to ANC members has shaken the political establishment to its core. It's clear that President Zuma's days are numbered - and with him will go the shadowy influence of the Guptas.
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Consumer rights in South Africa are under assault, says a recent paper from the Free Market Foundation. The erosion of these rights is an assault on South Africans' constitutional rights to dignity and information, all neatly packaged as "protection of consumer rights." Take a look at some of the monstrosities served up by government.
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Dear Moodys, before you downgrade SA to junk status, give us a few more months to get rid of the cause of all our troubles - Jacob Zuma. Once that happens, South Africa's resurgence can begin, writes Wayne Duvenage.
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Historian Johan Norberg recently explained in Johannesburg why the Swedish economic model will not work in SA. Sweden's wealth was not built on welfarism, but on a rigorous observance of free market principles.
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Despite what you may have heard in the media over the last few months, race relations in SA are actually quite good, according to a recent survey by the Institute of Race Relations.
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In the second part of this series on securitisation, Jack Darier delves deep into the lies and deception that have allowed the banks to repossess upwards of 10,000 homes a year in SA. In this instalment, he explains to get obtain information on securitisation.
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In the first of this two-part article, Jack Darier delves into the murky world of securitisation, and how banks are able to side-step the law in grabbing the homes of upwards of 10,000 South Africans each year. It's all accomplished with legal trickery and the blessing of the courts.
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Pravin Gordhan's budget was aimed not so much at trade unions or the party faithful, but at the ratings agencies, writes Tony Leon. History teaches us that a country which loses its credit rating is indeed headed for the junkyard.
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The Free Market Foundation won a major victory in the Pretoria High Court this week when Judge John Murphy intervened, effectively declaring that bargaining council agreements must be subject to judicial review. This, says, the FMF, is a major victory for labour freedom and the unemployed.
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Higher taxes on the rich, a freeze on public sector hiring, a valiant if over-optimistic attempt to rein in public debt - it's all there in the Budget announced today by finance minister Pravin Gordhan. Here are the highlights.
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