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] South Africa's platinum group metals support hydrogen economy transition requirements, while Namibia's developing lithium extraction capabilities represent emerging supply source diversification opportunities. Discovery Alert
• [New] While many believe the US will remain influential, outside Brazil, India, South Africa and Turkey there was no majority - including in the US itself - for the view that American influence was likely to grow any further. The Guardian
• [New] At the time South Africa has to balance its trade with the United States, which is part of the African Growth and Opportunity Act with its trade, with the BRICS countries. Medium
• [New] Bank of America expects moderate recovery in South African platinum output in 2026, albeit not enough to ease the platinum deficit, indicating structural rather than temporary supply constraints. Discovery Alert
• [New] South Africa commands 70% of global production, while Russia controls 12%, creating a duopoly that introduces systematic supply chain vulnerabilities. Discovery Alert
• [New] More than 100 people have been killed after torrential rain caused flooding across South Africa, Mozambique and Zimbabwe, with authorities issuing warnings that more severe weather is expected across several countries in southern Africa. SKY
• [New] The BRICS nations-Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa - are reportedly forging ahead with plans for a new currency or digital payment system, a move that could challenge the US dollar's long-standing dominance. Interactive Crypto
• [New] Using a combination of satellite imagery, weather and ground-level environmental datasets, challenge registrants - who can form teams of up to three members - will develop AI models to forecast water quality based on key parameters (alkalinity, salinity and phosphorous) for rivers in South Africa. Uniwersytet Ekonomiczny w Katowicach
• [New] During recent electoral processes such as the 2024 South African elections, quantitative studies have shown that false narratives spread in WhatsApp groups feed on emotions (41% fear, 32% identity) and often imitate journalistic formats to deceive, even after being discredited. De Ultimo Minuto English
• Tax Explore how South Africa's proposed tax increases could inadvertently heighten risks of tax evasion and challenge anti-money laundering efforts, amidst a backdrop of financial instability and healthcare reform. IOL
• Before Waterberg Project concentrate could be exported to Saudi Arabia for processing, a key requirement would be to secure government approval for the long-term export of unrefined precious metals in concentrate from South Africa. MarketScreener
• Revenues from the Southern African Customs Union, which accounted for 46% of total revenue, are projected to decline due to the anticipated slowdown in South African trade - the source of 98% of SACU receipts. Coface
• A depreciation of the South African rand against the US dollar in 2025 and 2026 will fuel imported inflation. Coface
• Regional port facility utilization changes create both opportunities and challenges for South African maritime infrastructure. Discovery Alert

Last updated: 27 January 2026