https://groundup.org.za/article/storm-at-sa-weather-service-over-botched-tenders/

Economy | Everyone talks about it but no one dares make the changes needed for maximising our potential. Liberalise economic policy by liberalising labour laws, incentivise foreign direct investment and remove almost all barriers to those wanting to set up in SA. Any foreign startup would be required to hire South Africans and not bring more than 2 foreign workers in and only if they are part of the start up. Abolish racial quota system and scorecards, jobs should be afforded on the basis of merit. 90/10 ratio for South Africans in all multinational companies working from the manufacturing line to the executive board. Decrease minimum wage by R1.40 while decreasing income tax by 5%.

Unemployment | SA has a crisis and it's totally unacceptable, overinvolved ANC men have meddled too much. Now that stops by moving to a largely free market with employee safeguards such as setting up an Employment Tribunal where any employee can lodge a claim against their employer if they are mistreated. An independent panel then takes in consideration from both sides and makes a judgement.

Liberal economics without so many strangulations will see business return in droves here, a wide range of jobs will become available therefore reducing unemployment massively. I'd bet down by 20-25%

Crime | Crime can only be solved when it is at levels we can combat it. Unemployment is the root cause of what starts criminal activity. Liberal economics with reduced unemployment leads to a decrease in criminal activity. When Thabo Mbeki made modest liberal economic reforms in the 2000's unemployment decreased, crime decreased and the economy boomed. Fact. So if we commit to doing what Australia, Canada and New Zealand did to their economic policy in the 80's.. We may create a country similar to the ones we want to run away to.

Think about it, it's been tried and tested on a much smaller scale. Why wouldn't we come into the 21st century?

https://www.iol.co.za/news/politics/i-will-die-an-anc-member-zuma-appeals-his-expulsion-66a26732-db4d-407f-97ae-1c70ee8c8526

https://dailyinvestor.com/south-africa/67634/government-wants-big-business-to-come-to-the-rescue/

I've noticed that there have been a handful of posts recently showing the decline of Johannesburg and, to be fair, they are quite shocking and sadly quite accurate. However, I have been noticing via my professional network that quite a few old apartment buildings and office blocks are getting renovated and converted into housing (just now, I saw someone post about the Aegis Building in Loveday st. being converted into 140 apartments), which made me wonder where this will lead us.

The apartments are, understandably, not super glamorous or upmarket but they seem respectable enough. Could this be a first step towards rebuilding the inner city? Driving around in the CBD, there seem to be a number of blocks with quite active shops on the ground floor, and it's not spaza shops, either - I see Edgars, McDonald's, the big banks, Woolies, etc. in the area around Gandhi Square. Fox Street around the Colloseum building also seems like a wonderful glimpse of Joburg's potential.

Would you move into one of these renovated blocks, assuming security is good and the apartment is of a high standard? A decent location (such as near the Gautrain station) at a good price might not be something to sneeze at.

https://www.iol.co.za/news/politics/opinion/ramaphosa-must-fire-steenhuisen-and-schreiber-to-protect-south-africas-sovereignty-0c9b18f2-faaa-4dc3-8769-76c6d3a8bff2

https://dailyinvestor.com/finance/67843/south-africas-r22-3-billion-hole/

I’m trying to get a sense of what it might cost to build a custom app for a small subcontractor business. It’s pretty straightforward work—cookie-cutter projects where we just need to track tools and update clients on project progress. Some features might change or get added as we go, but the core setup is basically the same every time.

So… are we talking a few thousand bucks here, or is this more in the “you’d better sit down” price range?

Here’s what I’m thinking for features:

Tool Tracking

• Each tool would have a QR code or barcode.
• Foremen or team members could scan to check tools in and out with some quick details:
  • Who’s grabbing it
  • Where it’s going (job site)
  • Damage reports (maybe add a photo if something’s busted)

Project Progress Updates for Clients

• Clients would have logins to check on their jobs and maybe download a PDF report if needed.
• Foremen on-site could snap photos, use a slider to show progress, and add a quick note.
• The setup should be customizable since each project has its quirks.

Possible Future Add-On:

• Inventory Management: A simple tracker for what’s coming in and out, linked to specific jobs.

If anyone knows of existing apps that could cover most of this without being a pain to teach and manage, I’d love to hear about them. Thanks a ton for any insight!