South

In the recent survey conducted by Kearney, South Africa and Egypt emerged as the sole contenders from Africa in the rankings of emerging markets poised for foreign direct investment (FDI) confidence in 2025. This recognition not only highlights their potential but also places them on a global stage where investor interest is increasingly crucial. Notably, South Africa made remarkable strides by rising from 11th to 7th place in the global rankings, achieving an FDI confidence score of 1.48. This improvement…

Kenya's Cross-Border Cash Movement: Insights and Implications The latest Survey on Cross-Border Movement of Cash has shed light on a significant trend in Kenya's financial landscape. The report indicates that 15 commercial banks, representing an impressive 39.4% of all licensed banks in the country, are actively engaged in facilitating cash shipments across borders. It's fascinating to consider how interconnected our global economy truly is. Have you ever pondered where the physical cash you come into contact with…

Recent funding from the African Development Bank (AfDB) signifies a pivotal moment for Pretoria, effectively invigorating its broader infrastructure reform agenda. This initiative aims to revitalize public services, address pressing energy constraints, and set the stage for sustainable economic growth in the long run. It’s a move that raises crucial questions: What does this mean for the average South African? Can we truly see a shift in our daily lives as public services improve? The announcement came on a…

In the midst of a heated debate surrounding federal spending, particularly directed towards clean energy and electric vehicles, former President Donald Trump has ignited a firestorm of criticism. This commentary has seen Trump characterizing such investments not just as questionable but as outright wasteful—an assertion emblematic of his long-standing disdain for what he deems governmental favoritism towards a select group of corporations. “Elon may get more subsidies than any human being in history, by far, and…

The ambitious billionaire Elon Musk is making waves yet again. His satellite internet venture, Starlink, is setting its sights on a hefty R2 billion investment—roughly $112.7 million—in South Africa. This investment appears to be a strategic move to navigate the complexities of the country’s Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) requirements. But what does this mean for both Starlink and the South African landscape? Starlink has openly expressed its intent to forge partnerships with local South African businesses to…

In a moment that underscores the intricate web of global politics, Russia has reiterated its strong support for South Africa’s presidency of the G20. This backing highlights Pretoria’s role as a crucial player in steering the focus of the Group of Twenty towards the needs and aspirations of the Global South. With a world increasingly defined by its geopolitical divides, this cooperation signals a shift that many observers have deemed necessary. But can the G20 truly evolve to more inclusively represent developing nations?…

The spotlight shone brightly on African nations during the prestigious 2025 World Travel Awards (WTA) Africa & Indian Ocean Gala Ceremony, which took place on June 28 at the exquisite Johari Rotana Hotel in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. The event served not merely as a ceremony but as a gathering point for leaders in tourism and hospitality from across the continent, all coming together to celebrate remarkable achievements in travel, destination development, and service innovation. This year, a staggering 80 award…

The Eastern Cape Provincial Government has officially reported a devastating toll of 100 lives lost due to the relentless floods that have ravaged the region. This heart-wrenching figure may continue to rise, as numerous individuals remain unaccounted for, prompting ongoing search and rescue operations in the affected areas. How much more sorrow can a community endure? Tragically, the majority of the deceased are from the OR Tambo District, a key area that has suffered immensely. Among those lost, 37 children—22 of whom…

The historical relationship between Russia and South Africa, particularly during the tumultuous years of apartheid, remains a poignant topic of discussion. Recently, Keith Khoza, the acting spokesman for South Africa's deputy president, elaborated on this connection in an interview with Sputnik. His insights reveal not only the solidarity shared between these nations but also the complexities and nuances that have shaped their bond over the years. "During the time when apartheid was a significant issue, our…

In an unsettling chapter of international diplomacy, two South African engineers, Frik Potgieter and Peter Huxham, have finally returned home after enduring over two years of confinement in an Equatorial Guinea prison. Their ordeal stemmed from what the United Nations described as arbitrary and illegal drug charges, raising serious questions about the integrity of the judicial process in that country. The engineers were apprehended in February 2023 when authorities allegedly discovered illicit substances in their luggage.…