Powerboats

Via International Trade Law News a very interesting story about the US Commerce Department attempting to prevent the reexport from South Africa of a Bladerunner 51 powerboat to Iran.  The temporary denial order is here.  The order asserts that it it is believed that the powerboat is being purchased for use by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy.

Sasol’s leniency application with the CC

Pat Davies speaks on Sasol’s possible role in collusion in piped gas and petroleum products over at  CNBC Africa.  The Competition Commission’s press release is here. 

Recall that last year Sasol received €318m fine from the European commission for its alleged involvement in a paraffin waxes and slack wax cartel between 1992 and 2005

The Commission’s cartel leniency programme is increasingly looking like one of the major success stories in South African business regulation in the last few years, it is just hoped that soon this starts translating into lower prices for end consumers.

Zuma’s 5 backup plans

Africa Confidential has an outline of the options available to Mr Jacob Zuma in his pursuit of the country’s presidency.  They count from (A) to (F).

Carl Niehaus makes the case in the Business Day as to why, legally, Mr Zuma’s right to a speedy trial has been infringed. Prof De Vos’ response is here. While Prof De Vos may be correct from the perspective of the law (I have no opinion on the matter), it is fairly clear that failing to charge Mr Zuma earlier was a major strategic error from his opponents, and in the endgame that may be all that matters.

Nedbank guide

Via Moneyweb the 2009 Nedbank guide to the economy. Short term difficulties are foreseen, followed by improvement as inflation pressure and interest rates ease. Government spending, which will remain strong, is likely to help. According to the report, Africa will suffer from reduced FDI and falling commodity prices. 3% growth for South Africa is predicted for 2010. Rand volatility is expected to continue into 2010. Read the whole report here.

First Post

Welcome to SA Economy Nous. I’m not sure how I feel about the name either. Let’s see how this goes.