Jeremy’s weekly wrap: Trump’s second term, Cape Town tourism, and a Gaza ceasefire

We started the week on Moneyweb@Midday with Donald Trump beginning his second term. Economist Professor Andre Roux explained that Trump’s protectionist ‘America First’ stance could strain SA’s trade relations, particularly through tariff hikes and a reassessment of the Agoa trade agreement.

While SA is less reliant on US trade than before, a full-blown US-China trade war could create collateral damage. Trump’s disregard for environmental policies, his support for fossil fuels, and his potential withdrawal of support for Ukraine could all add further instability to global markets. From an investment perspective, Roux noted that markets may initially react positively to Trump’s pro-business, anti-regulation stance, but eventually, rising tariffs and stricter immigration policies could fuel inflation, delaying US interest rate cuts and potentially weakening the rand.

You can also listen to this podcast on iono.fm here.

Then on to tourism and Cape Town’s tourism sector is experiencing robust growth, with over 500 000 arrivals recorded in December, a 3% year-on-year increase. Regional travel has seen an impressive 22.5% jump, due to increased flight capacity, including new routes from Air Botswana and Norse Atlantic Airways. However, Enver Duminy, CEO of Cape Town Tourism, highlighted that regional arrivals still come from a low base. While international arrivals rose 3.7%. Affordability remains a major concern, with Duminy addressing price gouging accusations. Cape Town Tourism actively pushes for fair pricing, encouraging businesses to offer discounted experiences for locals. Duminy acknowledged economic pressures on South Africans, making it critical to promote budget-friendly options, such as free and low-cost attractions.

You can also listen to this podcast on iono.fm here.

Then, a leaked letter from Oliver and Adelaide Tambo Regional Hospital in the Eastern Cape raised alarm over a doctor shortage, but the Eastern Cape Health Department insists the letter is fake. Dr Mthandeki Xamlashe, Deputy Director General for Clinical Services, dismissed the claim, stating that the hospital has enough doctors – 16 registered doctors and two clinical associates, exceeding the 14 doctors required for full coverage. While the hospital CEO has disowned the letter, Xamlashe argued that the real issue is increased patient demand as the hospital undergoes an upgrade to regional status with new specialist services.

You can also listen to this podcast on iono.fm here.

And while the Gaza ceasefire is bringing relief, there are deep concerns about its fragility and lack of a long-term resolution, says Dr Mbongiseni Buthelezi of the Nelson Mandela Foundation. While immediate humanitarian relief – such as food, medical supplies, and fuel – is crucial, lasting peace remains elusive. Trust and compromise are key but have been missing for years, with tensions only escalating. Dr Buthelezi said a genuine and patient negotiation process is necessary, led by neutral and honest brokers who are committed to real peace rather than political interests. Without this, the risk of continued instability and suffering remains high.

You can also listen to this podcast on iono.fm here.