Economists have been debating it for months, homeowners have been praying for it for almost two years. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, the MPC has finally cut the repo rate. Pam Golding's CE expects the move to give the property market a boost. Indices over the past week have seen both retail and wholesale trade sales up in May, as well as a rise in food and beverage income. However, economists have warned that this retail growth is not sustainable, while the Consumer Confidence Index hits a four-year low. On the brighter side of things, the country celebrated Mandela Day on Wednesday last week. See what went down around the country as people and businesses devoted 67-minutes (and more) of their time to do something for the less fortunate. And finally, Saturday saw the celebration of inspirational South African women (and man) as they were honoured at the gala award ceremony of the Shoprite Checkers Women of the Year Awards. In a surprise twist, Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu received the 2012 Lifetime Achievement Award, after being nominated and voted for by the public. Congratulations to all the winners, and to Tata Madiba, happy belated birthday!

Shan Radcliffe, Retail editor
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