Survive

In Pimville, a mashonisa lends money to struggling families, charging 50% interest while battling stress, unpaid debts and fear for her own safety.

Refilwe Morolena blames herself for her baby’s chronic illness, saying she couldn’t afford enough food to stay healthy while breastfeeding him.

Mining company Jubilee is selling its South African chrome and platinum mines for R1.5-billion to focus on copper mining in Zambia.

Linda Mveni from Philippi East says rising food prices have forced her family to cut meals, drop basics and stop weekend treats.

Deputy Minister of Higher Education Dr Nomusa Dube-Ncube says a new programme linking universities and businesses will help fight South Africa’s high graduate unemployment.

Shoprite is closing all its stores in Ghana and Malawi after years of battling weak currencies, high costs and falling profits outside South Africa.

Siphokazi Dlisani started feeding hungry people in Mfuleni with her own money, but rising food costs now threaten to shut down her kitchen.

Zanele Mntambo left Durban hoping for a better life in Cape Town but now fears her family will soon only afford pap and cabbage.

South Africans will have a hard festive season. Food, petrol and electricity keep getting more expensive, while many people are jobless or underpaid.

Ford is cutting 474 jobs at its factories in Pretoria and Gqeberha, blaming weaker export sales and new international tax rules.

After losing her job at Goodyear, a 43-year-old Gqeberha mother refused to give up. Instead, she used her payout to start a farming business.

With food, transport and school costs rising, Durban domestic worker Babhekile Mbatha says she survives by borrowing from loan sharks every month.