A focus on economic performance will take centre stage amid concerns that the country’s underperforming energy and logistics sectors are weighing down growth.

National Treasury recently announced a R47 billion support package for Transnet as it faces a raft of financial and operational challenges.

The rail, port and pipeline company was given a lifeline on Friday when Treasury conceded to a request by the Department of Public Enterprises.

They’re accused of dereliction of duty after a power outage a week ago led to millions of rands in fruits and vegetables going down the drain.

A drawn-out power outage - caused by cable theft, led to rotting fresh produce at the country’s biggest agricultural hub.

The rail, port and pipeline company's woes have worsened recently – with crippling backlogs at some of South Africa’s major ports.

According to the UN, record-high global temperatures, greenhouse gas emissions, and higher-than-usual sea level rises are among the climate records broken.

Speaking on the sidelines of the 'Cape Town Conversation' on Sunday, Mbeki told journalists that the claims were worrying, stressing that banks complicit in the scheme to manipulate the rand should be brought to book.

Speaking at the inaugural Cape Town Conversation, Pandor said: 'What these partnerships have not done, they’ve not resulted in increased industrial capacity in Africa, in wider access to energy, [and] in access to smart manufacturing.'

The crisis in the two regions is believed to have been exacerbated by trade sanctions imposed on Russia and China, as well as climate change and the onslaught of COVID-19.

The South African Reserve Bank on Thursday announced that the repo rate would be kept at 8.25% for the third consecutive time.

Almost 30 commercial banks are under fire for alleged price fixing involving the South African local currency. South African Reserv'e Bank governor Lesetja Kganyago said the Competition Commission 'must be given the space to do their work'.

Consumers have been given some reprieve by the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) following a unanimous decision by the monetary policy committee (MPC) to keep the repo rate unchanged.

The decision was unanimous - with all five members of the monetary policy committee in favour of holding policy rates for longer.

Pay Just Now CEO Craig Newborn said cash-strapped consumers are on the hunt for big bargains, with popularity in categories around furniture, sporting gear, kids, as well as appliances.

With the price of eggs in the spotlight, the high price of potatoes has almost gone unnoticed, however, the average price of the vegetable increased by almost R10 per kilogram in October.

The inflation rate increase to 5.9% came in higher than expected, pushing to the edge of the central bank’s target band of 3% and 6%.

The reserve bank will announce the rates decision on Thursday at 3 pm.