Global Scans · South Africa · Weekly Summary

WHAT'S NEXT?: Local elections in South Africa this year could see the ruling African National Congress lose control of key cities like Johannesburg and Pretoria for the first time. South Africa's economy is at risk of falling into recession and public confidence in the ANC is falling.

• [New] We see opportunities to lock in yields in local-currency bonds in Hungary, the Czech Republic, South Africa, Brazil, Mexico and Colombia. BlackRock
• [New] The UN has confirmed famine in Gaza, 18 months after South Africa warned the world at the International Court of Justice that a genocide was unfolding. GroundUp News
• [New] The regulatory environment created by the amended MPRD will directly impact South Africa's competitiveness in global mining markets. Discovery Alert
• [New] The outcome of the MPRD amendment process will significantly influence investor confidence in South Africa's mining sector. Discovery Alert
• [New] The bill in its current form could significantly affect South Africa's ability to attract mining investment. Discovery Alert
• [New] Improved wastewater management will save money, enhance water security, and improve the health of South Africa's people and freshwater ecosystems. The Conversation
• [New] In 2025, global platinum production is expected to decline marginally, primarily driven by reduced output from South Africa and Russia. Yahoo Finance
• From invasive pests and diseases threatening South Africa's grain crops to the regulatory hurdles that limit export growth, biosecurity is increasingly recognised as a cornerstone of agricultural resilience. SA Grain
• Importantly, both Brazil and South Africa support India's longstanding demand for a permanent seat on the UN Security Council, signalling how BRICS could align around institutional reform even amidst differences. Modern Diplomacy
• Given that platinum-group metals are primarily concentrated in South Africa, and China dominates the supply of rare earth elements, fluctuations in trade policies or supply restrictions could have profound effects on hydrogen production costs. SpringerLink
• The true success of addressing plastic pollution in South Africa will depend on independent science that validates the effects of microbeads (and microplastics) on the environment, economy, health and society. The Conversation
• Given South Africa's sizeable equity and bond markets, financing the current account deficit depends mainly on foreign capital flows, which will remain volatile amid a highly uncertain global economic environment, particularly for portfolio investments. Coface
• As a resource-rich nation, South Africa could leverage crypto for transparent trade deals within BRICS, potentially boosting adoption in Africa as a whole. Interactive Crypto
• Sourced almost entirely as a minor byproduct from South African PGM mines, iridium supply is limited and poses a bottleneck risk to scaling up green hydrogen infrastructure. Metal Tech News
• Sourced primarily from South Africa, with minor byproduct output from Russia and Canada, rhodium faces significant supply risk tied to South Africa's mining stability and potential export restrictions. Metal Tech News
• South Africa's chair of the G20 presents a unique opportunity to influence global policies and advocate for the interests of low-income and developing countries and their needs in addressing the challenges they face due to climate change and poverty. Energy Tracker Asia
• The World Platinum Investment Council has released a report suggesting that by 2025, we could see one of the largest platinum supply deficits in more than a decade, driven by power shortages in South Africa and falling mining output. Pacific Precious Metals
• The combination of expanded PGM applications and major green hydrogen projects creates multiple economic opportunities for South Africa's resource sector and broader economy. Discovery Alert
• South Africa's main utility, Eskom Holdings, estimates it will need to spend 390 billion rand (US $ 22 billion) over the next decade to expand and upgrade its ageing power grid and prevent future blackouts. IEEE Spectrum
• Countries with significant steel production and recycling capacities, such as China, India, Brazil and South Africa, could work together to develop best practices and remove trade barriers. T20 South Africa
• Trump's 30% tariffs on South African exports threaten AGOA trade benefits and expose economic vulnerabilities. Ainvest

Last updated: 09 September 2025