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
DA criticises Ramaphosa’s ‘recycled’ water crisis plan, as ANC defends ‘infrastructure reforms’
By: Thabi Shomolekae 24th July 2026 President Cyril Ramaphosa’s National Water Action Plan (NWAP) has sparked a political clash between coalition partners, with the DA dismissing the... →
Modernisation of South African mining is an ‘urgent strategic priority’ 
By: Martin Creamer 24th July 2026 Mining modernisation, with private and public sectors as drivers, is an urgent strategic priority for the South African economy, a study undertaken... →
Alarmingly nothing new in Ramaphosa’s Water Crisis Plan
24th July 2026 The plan released by President Cyril Ramaphosa yesterday to address South Africa’s water supply crisis contains nothing new. This is very alarming,... →
Chapter 9 bodies' inquiry into GBVF justice failures backed by Parliament
By: Thabi Shomolekae 24th July 2026 A joint inquiry by three Chapter 9 institutions could finally expose the systemic failures denying justice to survivors of gender-based violence... →
Ramaphosa v Speaker of the National Assembly and Others (2026/138228) [2026] ZAWCHC 371
24th July 2026 Click here to read the full judgment on Saflii Issue – Requirements for interim relief – The applicant – the President of the Republic of South... →
Finance committee chairperson notes resignation of PIC Board chairperson and calls for governance stability
24th July 2026 The Chairperson of the Standing Committee on Finance, Dr Joe Maswanganyi, has noted the resignation of the Public Investment Corporation (PIC)... →
ActionSA deeply concerned court interdict risks turning justice delayed into accountability denied
24th July 2026 ActionSA is deeply concerned by today's split 2–1 judgment of the Western Cape High Court granting an interim interdict that suspends the work of... →
Phala Phala review must now be resolved urgently
24th July 2026 The Democratic Alliance notes and respects today’s judgment interdicting the commencement of Parliament’s formal impeachment inquiry pending the... →
Shanthie Naidoo honoured for fierce anti-apartheid resilience
By: Thabi Shomolekae 24th July 2026 The Ahmed Kathrada Foundation (AKF) on Friday paid tribute to anti-apartheid stalwart Shanthie Naidoo Tweedie (91) following her passing on... →
South African exports to US face new 25% tariff, but with exemptions
By: Terence Creamer 24th July 2026 The US has, from July 24, imposed new tariffs of 12.5% on South African products for the country’s “failure to impose and effectively enforce a... →
