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
Trust regulation to be overhauled
14th August 2026 On 7 August 2026 a draft Bill, the Regulation of Trusts Bill, 2026 (the Bill) was published for comment. It is intended to replace the Trust... →
SA: Khumbudzo Ntshavheni: Address by Minister in The Presidency, the Public Lecture by President Cyril Ramaphosa on SADC Vision 2050, KZN (14/08/2026)
14th August 2026 SADC is not simply an institutional arrangement between governments. At its heart, SADC is about people. It is about the young person in Lusaka,... →
Daily Podcast – August 14, 2026
By: Halima Frost 14th August 2026 Ramaphosa calls for regional action on xenophobia; South Africa's top court blocks Shell's Wild Coast exploration plans; And, Chad's president... →
SA: Ronald Lamola: Address by International Relations and Cooperation Minister, to introduce President Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa, the SADC Public Lecture, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville Campus (14/08/2026)
14th August 2026 The world is undergoing significant transformation. Great power competition is intensifying. Advanced economies are turning inward. Events beyond... →
SADC can be a testing ground for turning African minerals into development – UN ECA
By: Schalk Burger 14th August 2026 Demand for critical energy transition minerals, including cobalt, copper, graphite, lithium, manganese, nickel, platinum group metals (PGMs) and... →
SADC Summit: Ramaphosa calls for regional action on xenophobia, GBV 
By: Thabi Shomolekae 14th August 2026 President Cyril Ramaphosa on Friday delivered a powerful vision for the renewal of Southern Africa, calling for urgent regional action on... →
KZN Premier urges SADC to renew commitment to public diplomacy as leaders meet
By: Sashnee Moodley 14th August 2026 Ahead of President Cyril Ramaphosa’s public lecture for the 46th Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Southern African Development... →
Spud: Two for the Road
14th August 2026 It is 2004 and it’s make or break for Spud Milton and his acting career. Having survived his ten-year school reunion and avoided becoming a... →
Mozambique: Southern Africa's emerging industrial platform
14th August 2026 Mozambique has spent a decade being defined by one story. It may be time to pay attention to another. The first is well known. The discovery of... →
Illegal mining impact on infrastructure and the economy
14th August 2026 In South Africa, policy formulation is often based on inaccurate questions. The policy question of addressing illegal mining needs to be approached... →
