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] Deep-level gold and platinum group metal (PGM) mining in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Australia represents a high-value opportunity vertical for underground automation. Persistence Market Research
• [New] South Africa shows the growing disconnect between the push for AI infrastructure and the ecological realities of water stress and climate disruption. Greenpeace International
• [New] The targeted promotion of local generic drug production, for example in South Africa or Nigeria, could stabilise regions and advance the diversification of global supply chains. Stiftung Wissenschaft und Politik (SWP)
• [New] Major global trade changes for 2025-2026 include higher projected corn exports for India, Russia and South Africa with reductions for Pakistan and Uruguay. AgriNews
• [New] After the closure of the Hormuz strait, coal-fired power generation fell in the US, India, EU, Turkey and South Africa, according to the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air, despite fears that countries would return to coal. The Guardian
• [New] Cities including Durban in South Africa, Maputo in Mozambique, and Antananarivo in Madagascar will experience a modest partial eclipse as the moon takes a bite out of the sun. Grand Pinnacle Tribune
• [New] Agriculture remains one of South Africa's greatest opportunities for economic growth, job creation and food security. African farming
• [New] Access to export markets, improved financing models and stronger farmer collaboration will be essential if South Africa is to unlock the full potential of its agricultural sector. African farming

Last updated: 28 April 2026