South Africa
South Africa is a country located at the southern tip of the African continent, bordered by Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Eswatini, with Lesotho as an enclave within its territory. The capital cities are Pretoria (executive), Cape Town (legislative) and Bloemfontein (judicial). With a population of about 60-million people, South Africa has the most industrialised and diversified economy on the continent, historically built on mining—particularly gold, platinum and diamonds—but also encompassing manufacturing, finance, agriculture and services. The country's currency is the rand. South Africa operates as a parliamentary republic with a president serving as both head of state and head of government. It is a member of the Southern African Development Community, the African Union, BRICS Plus and the Commonwealth. The economy is characterised by significant infrastructure, including extensive rail and port networks, but faces challenges including high unemployment, inequality and intermittent electricity supply constraints. Key exports include minerals, metals, vehicles and machinery. Since the end of apartheid in 1994, South Africa has pursued economic liberalisation and regional integration whilst grappling with the legacy of racial segregation and uneven development.
South Africa Updates
Ntshavheni raises concerns over Zuma’s India visit; briefs on immigration, Cabinet updates
By: Tasneem Bulbulia 3rd July 2026 Minister in The Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni on July 3 briefed media on the outcomes of the Cabinet meeting held earlier this week, noting that... →
DA wants inquiry over high commissioner meeting with Zuma, Gupta in India 
By: Thabi Shomolekae 3rd July 2026 The DA has called on International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola to launch an urgent departmental inquiry into whether South... →
South African Birds by Name: Origins and Meanings
3rd July 2026 What’s in a name? As birding grows in popularity, more and more people are beginning to appreciate that birds carry not only ecological... →
Indian High Commissioner contradicts presidency’s comments on Zuma’s Gupta trip
3rd July 2026 The Democratic Alliance (DA) notes, with deep concern, comments made by Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshaveni, who today publicly... →
Home Affairs reports progress in digital transformation of identity, travel documents
By: Schalk Burger 3rd July 2026 The Department of Home Affairs (DHA) says it is making progress ahead of schedule in its digital transformation agenda to reform all systems and... →
South Africa deploys troops to bolster security during anti-migrant protests
By: Reuters 3rd July 2026 South Africa has deployed more than 3 000 soldiers nationwide to bolster security and support police this month during anti-migrant protests that... →
The calm after Tuesday: South Africa’s window to rebuild confidence in its immigration system
3rd July 2026 Tuesday, 30 June 2026, was a day that the country approached with apprehension. Understandably so. With memories of the July 2021 unrest still... →
New South32 CEO sees strong growth ahead in zinc, lead, silver, copper
By: Martin Creamer 3rd July 2026 Being a premier base metals-focused business with strong growth potential is the vision for South32 of new CEO Matt Daley. “We've got around 55%... →
SA: Cyril Ramaphosa: Address by South Africa's President, at the Multi-Stakeholder Engagement on Ebola, during Working Visit to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (02/07/2026)
3rd July 2026 Earlier today, President Tshisekedi and I had an opportunity to discuss the ongoing Ebola outbreak and broader matters of regional health security. →
Can an African credit rating agency overcome investor scepticism?
3rd July 2026 Can Africa itself correct the bias it says the Big Three credit rating agencies display in grading African sovereigns? The African Union (AU) and... →
