Uncertainty surrounding Finance Minister Trevor Manuel ill-timed

Efficient Group economist Dawie Roodt says the Finance ministry, under Manuel’s guidance, has gone a long way in steadying the ship during the credit crunch. Post election speculation has been rife as to whether Manuel will be moved to a powerful planning committee, which will monitor government performance. Roodt says Manuel’s influence cannot be discounted.

Although the National Consumer Tribunal has been operating for almost a year, it was officially launched on Wednesday, 19 March in Johannesburg.

The tribunal's function is to adjudicate applications made in terms of the National Credit Act by consumers, credit providers, credit bureaux, debt 
counsellors and the Credit Regulator.

It is a court of last resort after dispute resolution attempts have failed in other forums like an ombudsman, or the banking regulator. It has the powers of a high court and although it is based in Centurion, Pretoria, can hear cases anywhere in the country.

Not everyone is feeling the effects of the weakening global economy.

Good news for some

• Maize farmers are enjoying 50 percent more income than last year with good prices being paid for their crops.
• Construction is roaring ahead in many sectors.
• The civil service is expanding.

According to the Credit Bureau Monitor, - compiled by the National Credit Regulator (NCR) - as at the end of December 2008, the number of borrowers more than three months in arrears has surged 14 percent year on year to 7.3 million.