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 current account deficit is expected to narrow slightly in 2025 and more significantly in 2026 due to the recovery in mining exports and lower prices for imported energy and food. / South Africa Coface
• [New] The South African Reserve Bank has said it will not be pursuing a retail central bank digital currency, and will instead focus its efforts on fast payments and a wholesale CBDC. Central Banking
• [New] Twenty-six countries looked at in the UNAIDS report have said they will increase national spending on HIV care, and some like Nigeria and South Africa have already done so. AOL
• [New] South Africa will move forward with plans to build a new nuclear plant and revive its modular nuclear reactor program. Last Week in ConTech
• [New] The Government of Japan, including through the activities of JETRO, will continue working with the South African government to enhance the business environment. Prime Minister's Office of Japan
• [New] South Africa reported some progress, with unemployment down to 31.9% and mining and gold output back in positive territory, though the budget deficit near 4.8% of GDP and a large nominal shortfall kept fiscal risks in focus. The Rio Times
• [New] Vodacom will resell Starlink kits in markets outside South Africa, including Egypt, Lesotho, Mozambique, Tanzania and the DRC, and offer industry-tailored packages for mining, oil and gas, agriculture, tourism, retail and finance. Bez Kabli
• [New] With South Africa's Public Investment Corporation - a custodian of millions of workers' pensions - among Anglo's largest shareholders, there is a clear warning that proposed deals risk reinforcing economic dependency and the potential risk for state capture. 24-7 Press Release Newswire
• [New] From 2024 to 2050, each dollar invested by health systems to expand TB screening and preventive treatment could generate a societal return of $51 in Brazil, $8 in Georgia, $27 in Kenya and $54 in South Africa. EATG
• [New] The G20 meeting in South Africa will not resolve the structural tensions reshaping global politics and economics. RUSSIA'S PIVOT TO ASIA
• [New] The South African Reserve Bank has lowered its policy rate by 25 basis points to 6.75%, as rate-setters project that inflation will start to come down in 2026. Central Banking
• [New] South Africa, which holds the G20 presidency, is expected to push for consensus and action on priority issues for African countries, including debt relief, economic growth, climate change and transition to clean energy. Al Jazeera
• [New] US President Donald Trump's decision to snub the G20 summit in South Africa in 2025 has handed an opportunity to China, as it seeks to expand its growing influence in the African continent and position itself as an alternative to the dangers of a unilateralist United States. Al Jazeera
• [New] To boost trade further, the UK and South Africa have agreed an Authorised Economic Operator Mutual Recognition Arrangement, which will cut red tape, reduce costs, and make trade simpler and more reliable for accredited businesses. GOV.UK
• [New] Backed by R100 million in UK funding, South African start-ups will be provided with tailored support and connections to access capital. GOV.UK
• [New] The South African government plans to lift a 13-year moratorium on fracking in one of its most water-scarce regions. Circle of Blue
• [New] China's Loan Prime Rate fixings and the Bank Indonesia policy meeting are expected to see rates left unchanged, with a further 25 bps rate cut seen in South Africa and a 100 bps cut in Egypt. ADMISI
• South Africa will investigate how 17 South African citizens were lured into joining a mercenary force in the Russia-Ukraine war under the pretext of lucrative employment and contracts. Just Security
• South Africa plans to implement export subsidies for certain agricultural products (such as wine) starting November to cope with international competition. Global Trade Policy New Rules Roundup November 2025| Co
• Documented in South Africa, adult sharks will flee areas where orcas are seen, not returning for months. Discover Magazine

Last updated: 02 December 2025