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] 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
• [New] 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
• [New] 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
• [New] A depreciation of the South African rand against the US dollar in 2025 and 2026 will fuel imported inflation. Coface
• [New] Regional port facility utilization changes create both opportunities and challenges for South African maritime infrastructure. Discovery Alert
• [New] South Africa's benchmark 2035 government bond yield was around 8.22%. The Rio Times
• [New] South Africa enters 2026 under heightened domestic pressure as municipal elections expected later in the year coincide with persistent infrastructure failures and uneven service delivery. Medium
• The US's new 30% tariffs on South African exports could lead to around 100,000 job losses, with the agriculture and automotive sectors hardest-hit. BBC News
• The BRICS group, including Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, and several newer member states, has expressed concerns about the risks of the dollar-dominated financial system, particularly after sanctions froze Russian assets following its invasion of Ukraine. The Cool Down
• South Africa's total ferrochrome production could fall from 3.3 million tons in 2024 to a pitiful 1 million tons in 2026. Clintel
• The Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) is expected to intensify operational readiness in the first quarter, including voter registration campaigns. Business Day
• South Africa's agriculture has excellent growth potential. AgriView
• There are a few critical policy areas that could have significant positive spinoffs to South Africa's agricultural growth if implemented effectively. AgriView

Last updated: 20 January 2026