The outbreak of the coronavirus (Covid-19) in China is spreading across Asia and other regions of the world. The health implications of this virus on people also present risks for global value chains.

Despite unique challenges, including widespread dry spells during the past decade, South African agriculture is the lowest-cost producer of a standard Big Mac burger among 57 countries worldwide. Our productivity and competitiveness are a result of the continuous investment by food producers in the latest technologies and best practices to ensure the surplus production of affordable food for domestic consumption and export.

South Africa’s ruling party is forging ahead with plans to change the constitution to make it easier for the government to expropriate land without paying for it.

The government has emphasised the need to support the agricultural sector as part of efforts to promote faster and sustained inclusive economic growth.

Yet another rain-bearing system will result in widespread precipitation over much of the summer rainfall region during the next few days, especially over the maize-production areas.

Finance Minister Tito Mboweni started his budget speech with his usual aloe reference: “The Aloe Ferox survives and thrives when times are tough. It actually prefers less water. It wins even when it seems the odds are against it.” Here’s the executive summary of this plus hour long discussion.