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] After the closure of the Hormuz strait, coal-fired power generation fell in the US, India, EU, Turkey and South Africa, according to the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air, despite fears that countries would return to coal. The Guardian
• [New] Cities including Durban in South Africa, Maputo in Mozambique, and Antananarivo in Madagascar will experience a modest partial eclipse as the moon takes a bite out of the sun. Grand Pinnacle Tribune
• [New] Agriculture remains one of South Africa's greatest opportunities for economic growth, job creation and food security. African farming
• [New] Access to export markets, improved financing models and stronger farmer collaboration will be essential if South Africa is to unlock the full potential of its agricultural sector. African farming
• [New] One of the most urgent topics discussed in 2026 was the ongoing threat of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) to South Africa's red meat industry. African farming
• [New] Farmers, agribusiness entrepreneurs, development agencies, financial institutions and policymakers gathered with a shared objective: to align resources, unlock opportunities and strengthen partnerships that can accelerate the growth of South Africa's next generation of commercial farmers. African farming
• [New] The most successful Indian manufacturers will have an eye on rapid expansion into worldwide markets as patents expire in China, Brazil, Turkey and South Africa later in 2026. Chemistry World
• [New] From a macro perspective, the rand continues to offer high carry, while South Africa is relatively insulated from direct geopolitical risks compared to other high-yield emerging markets. Inside Metros
• [New] Global mining giant Rio Tinto has approved a $473 million investment to extend the life of its Zulti South Project in South Africa through to 2050. MiningFocus Africa
• [New] Ships avoiding the Bab al-Mandab Strait and the Red Sea must reroute around the Cape of Good Hope in South Africa. Dawn
• [New] The World Platinum Investment Council is forecasting a fourth consecutive annual deficit for 2026 at a projected 240,000 ounces. / South Africa Investing News Network (INN)
• Analyst forecasts project prices reaching $ 2,879-$ 2,879/oz by 2030, though South African disruptions and technology transitions introduce uncertainty. Just2Trade
• For India and South Africa, where comparable trip-level travel data are unavailable, substitution is modeled using assumption-based scenarios focused on the potential of E-Microcars. Frontiers
• South Africa is committed to consolidating SACU and deepening integration within SADC, a region of more than 150 million people, with significant potential for industrial expansion, infrastructure development, and cross border investment. DIRCO
• Through a series of panel discussions, the opportunities in energy and critical minerals were examined, emphasizing South Africa's strategic advantages in platinum, manganese, and chrome within the global clean energy transition. DIRCO
• South Africa's potato sector is at an inflection point, where tradition meets innovation and opportunity. AgriOrbit
• The growth of retail infrastructure in South Africa and Kenya is expected to create new opportunities for linked POS systems and smart store surveillance systems. Precedence Research

Last updated: 21 April 2026