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] The climate agenda, a traditionally important item for South Africa, will certainly take priority on the overall Summit agenda, especially given that Brazil is holding COP 30 at the end of 2025. What Africa expects from BRICS Summit in Brazil
• [New] South Africa is entering a new phase of regulatory reform that will significantly influence how infrastructure and energy projects are procured and delivered in the future, reflecting broader global trends toward transparency, sustainability, and streamlined governance. Pinsent Masons
• [New] Countries that have submitted their 2035 NDC targets include G20 members Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, Brazil, Japan, Indonesia, Russia, Ethiopia, Kenya, Nigeria, Morocco, South Africa, as well as Switzerland, Norway, Nepal and the UAE. Australian Broadcasting Corporation
• [New] At the regional level, the AFR100 initiative commits over 30 countries to restoring 100 million hectares by 2030, increasingly emphasizing ecosystem restoration (e.g., avoiding conversion of natural savannas), trees outside forests, and local value chains. / South Africa EurekAlert!
• [New] More than 65 jurisdictions have already adopted or taken concrete steps toward implementing the global minimum tax and plans to share recommendations with the South African G20 Presidency on simplifying international tax rules, particularly for developing countries. Brownstein
• [New] South Africa's vanadium resources are strategically located in regions like Mpumalanga province, which presents opportunities for industrial transition from coal-based economic activities toward clean energy technologies. Discovery Alert
• [New] South Africa's world-famous Kruger National Park could become known by a new name if some local politicians have their way. BBC News
• [New] Hochreiter adds: South African supply of all PGMs will be down 10% year on year. Financial Mail
• [New] While production losses for the full year are expected to moderate to about 3% year on year, platinum specifically is forecast for a full-year supply of 5.4-million ounces - a 6% decline. / South Africa Financial Mail
• [New] The upcoming local government elections will be a crucial test - not just of party politics, but of whether South African democracy can evolve to meet citizens' clear demand for competent, collaborative governance that actually delivers services. IOL
• [New] South Africa will remain under increased monitoring until it completes its action plan to strengthen its AML/CFT regime. United States Department of State
• [New] The Arctic passage was two weeks faster than the traditional route via Egypt's Suez Canal - the fastest sea corridor since the Victorian era - and half the time of the Cape of Good Hope route around South Africa. Newsweek
• [New] Countries like India, South Africa, Thailand and Malaysia show strong potential, with opportunities to produce flow frames, bipolar electrodes and balance-of-plant components locally. Best Magazine
• [New] In South Africa, pilot programs are using AI to predict wildlife movement and adjust safari schedules to minimize disruption - while still enhancing visitor experience. Westlight Marketing, LLC
• [New] As we begin the 2025-26 summer season, the evolving weather conditions will remain a central focus in South Africa's agriculture. Wandile Sihlobo
• [New] Rising public debt (68% of GDP) and U.S.-South Africa trade tensions pose risks, with OECD emphasizing structural reforms as critical for long-term recovery. Ainvest
• [New] Threat intelligence flows, shared incident response, and cross-border collaboration may be degraded - an important factor for organizations in South Africa and Europe depending on U.S. or transatlantic threat feeds. Barefoot Cyber
• [New] The 2026-2027 local government elections could reshape South African politics at the grassroots level. IOL

Last updated: 04 November 2025