In May 2024, just weeks before the pivotal elections that led to the establishment of the Government of National Unity, President Cyril Ramaphosa highlighted the achievements of South Africa’s automotive sector in his weekly column. He noted that the industry celebrated a significant milestone with the production of its six millionth vehicle, alongside reaching an…
Riding on the success of South Africa’s GNU and the tailwinds of his successful mission to China, President Cyril Ramaphosa addressed the Business Council for International Understanding (BCIU) that the new wave of energy transition minerals, referred to as critical minerals, will not be allowed to take the colonial patterns where raw ore was exported…
South Africa’s Pivot to China: A Defining Feature of President Ramaphosa’s Legacy There is growing consensus amongst political economy observers that China-South Africa relations could define President Cyril Ramaphosa’s economic legacy. Building on the massively successful state visit ahead of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), President Ramaphosa’s delegations crafted multiple bilateral trade agreements with…
As you sip on a delightfully crisp Chardonnay this summer, you might find yourself wondering if the South African wine industry has finally traded in its outdated practices for a more equitable and sustainable approach—like swapping out a rusty old corkscrew for a shiny new one! Or even wonder if the dop system has finally…
After a sluggish start to the year, South Africa’s economy has finally shown signs of life. The latest GDP figures from Statistics SA reveal a 0.4% growth in the second quarter of 2024, meeting economists’ expectations and hinting at a broader recovery. The spark behind this uptick? A combination of improved electricity supply, increased consumer…
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa’s state visit to China is expected to open and strengthen economic ties and attract investment to the country. During his visit, Ramaphosa will on Tuesday travel to Shenzhen, a major economic and technology hub in Guangdong Province, where he will engage with industry leaders and tour the headquarters of leading…
Navigating sluggish demand In the first half of 2023, South African auto manufacturers reported modest sales of battery electric vehicles (BEVs), with only 800 units sold nationwide. Volvo and BMW/Mini led the sales charts, with 374 and 283 units sold, respectively. Despite having over 12 million vehicles on the road, South Africa’s electric vehicle fleet…
Botswana is set to reap a significant economic reward from its latest diamond discovery, driven by visionary beneficiation initiatives and cutting-edge investment frameworks that prioritise national benefit, localisation, and community prosperity. The second-largest diamond ever found – a rough 2,492-carat stone – has been unearthed in Botswana at a mine operated by the Canadian company…
At the inaugural African Critical Minerals Summit held in Sandton exactly a year ago on September 8th, South Africa’s Minerals Minister Gwede Mantashe candidly acknowledged that the country lacks a coherent policy approach for Critical Minerals (CRMs). As delegates listened intently, it became clear that this absence of a defined CRM strategy is more than…
While South Africa’s renewable energy sector has been gaining momentum in recent years, driven by the country’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions and diversifying its energy mix, the local market’s growth is closely tied to global trends, particularly in the electric vehicle (EV) and energy storage systems (ESS) industries, as well as the global push…
