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 will remain under increased monitoring until it completes its action plan to strengthen its AML/CFT regime. United States Department of State
• [New] The Arctic passage was two weeks faster than the traditional route via Egypt's Suez Canal - the fastest sea corridor since the Victorian era - and half the time of the Cape of Good Hope route around South Africa. Newsweek
• [New] Countries like India, South Africa, Thailand and Malaysia show strong potential, with opportunities to produce flow frames, bipolar electrodes and balance-of-plant components locally. Best Magazine
• [New] In South Africa, pilot programs are using AI to predict wildlife movement and adjust safari schedules to minimize disruption - while still enhancing visitor experience. Westlight Marketing, LLC
• [New] As we begin the 2025-26 summer season, the evolving weather conditions will remain a central focus in South Africa's agriculture. Wandile Sihlobo
• [New] Rising public debt (68% of GDP) and U.S.-South Africa trade tensions pose risks, with OECD emphasizing structural reforms as critical for long-term recovery. Ainvest
• [New] Threat intelligence flows, shared incident response, and cross-border collaboration may be degraded - an important factor for organizations in South Africa and Europe depending on U.S. or transatlantic threat feeds. Barefoot Cyber
• [New] The 2026-2027 local government elections could reshape South African politics at the grassroots level. IOL
• Platinum is expected to maintain its strong performance, supported by resilient automotive demand (due to substitution for palladium), recovering jewelry sales, and persistent supply deficits from South Africa. FinancialContent
• Australia is among several countries, including South Africa and Britain, that have engaged with the U.S.-based Secure Community Network to share information regarding possible antisemitic threats. CityNews Halifax
• The Government of South Africa has a challenge to ensure that implementation of National Core Standards will deliver the desired health outcomes, because achieving a lasting quality improvement system in health care seems to be an arduous challenge. Unknown
• As the first African host of the G20, South Africa sees 2025 as an opportunity to spotlight African priorities, including development financing, debt relief, and climate change. Friedrich Naumann Foundation
• South Africa's renewable energy ambitions offer a unique opportunity to address social and economic challenges while maximising plant availability and performance. AutoForum
• South Africa is still in talks with Washington over the newly imposed 30% tariffs, which threaten key export sectors. Friedrich Naumann Foundation
• The Trump administration plans to cut refugee admissions to a record low in fiscal year 2026 and prioritize relief for certain groups like white Afrikaners from South Africa whom it deems face unjust discrimination. Cyrus D Mehta & Partners PLLC
• Other high-risk or high-opportunity jurisdictions include Turkey, India, China, Brazil, South Africa, and Kenya, regions where demand for stable and borderless value storage continues to accelerate. Unlock Blockchain

Last updated: 28 October 2025