South Africa has launched the Enterprise Investment Programme, which will enable small and medium sized manufacturing and tourism companies based outside of major metropolitan areas to receive investment support in the form of financial grants, as of 21 July 2008.

The estimated consumption of electricity in May 2008 decreased by 2.5% compared with May 2007, while there were also annual decreases in electricity imported and exported, Statistics South Africa says.

Despite a global economic slowdown tied to rising food and fuel prices, greater fixed investment over time has given South Africa's economy the resilience to cope with the current economic climate, says Trade and Industry Minister Mandisi Mpahlwa.

South Africa's new vehicle sales fell 21.9% in June. There was also a decline in sales of light and medium commercial vehicles - but a gain of nearly 10% in heavy truck and bus sales.

South Africa's 2008 tax season has begun, with a new emphasis this year on the role of employers in providing the SA Revenue Service with information on tax deductions from their employees.