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
Ramaphosa declares special funeral for amaNdebele King
By: Thabi Shomolekae 12th June 2026 President Cyril Ramaphosa has declared a Category 1 Special Official Funeral for the amaNdebele King Makhosoke II, Enock Makhosoke Mabhena. The... →
Foundation condemns ‘reckless’ national shutdown calls, warns of xenophobic anarchy 
By: Thabi Shomolekae 12th June 2026 The Ahmed Kathrada Foundation (AKF) has strongly condemned recent calls for a "national shutdown", labelling the movement as "reckless" and warning... →
Daily Podcast – June, 12, 2026
By: Halima Frost 12th June 2026 Making headlines: Treasury says upgrades show path to investment grade; SA deporting 586 illegal Nigerian nationals who face 5-year re-entry ban;... →
Land Reform and Rural Development pursues legal action over defamatory allegations
12th June 2026 The Ministry of Land Reform and Rural Development has noted with serious concern recent public statements made by Mr Nkosikhona Ndabandaba, also... →
Should SA renew its anti-piracy operation in the Mozambique Channel?
By: ISS, Institute for Security Studies 12th June 2026 Despite the navy’s severe resource constraints, Operation Copper seems to have been continued for political rather than practical reasons. Since... →
Eswatini’s ominous quiet
By: ISS, Institute for Security Studies 12th June 2026 Five years since violent protests shattered Eswatini’s calm, King Mswati III has done nothing to address the causes. In April this year, King... →
Only 33 Business Visas Approved While Thousands of Foreign-Owned Businesses Operate in South Africa
12th June 2026 Government must explain how thousands of foreign-owned businesses are operating across South Africa when only 33 business visas have been approved... →
SARS signals a new era of scrutiny for double tax agreement non-residents
12th June 2026 The South African Revenue Service (SARS) appears to be taking an increasingly sophisticated and technically rigorous approach to applications by... →
Treasury says upgrades show path to investment grade
By: Bloomberg 12th June 2026 South Africa’s recent credit-rating upgrades are a strong endorsement of government policy and show the nation can restore its coveted... →
SA deporting 586 illegal Nigerian nationals who face 5-year re-entry ban
By: Thabi Shomolekae 12th June 2026 The Department of Home Affairs has confirmed the processing of 586 Nigerian nationals for repatriation after they were found to be residing in the... →
