Global Scans · South Africa · Weekly Summary

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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] A new technical report has outlined the scale of investment required for South Africa to achieve energy security and net-zero emissions by 2050, highlighting a green industrialization pathway as the most cost-effective route. Green Building Africa
• [New] South Africa's green fuels roadmap envisions producing synthetic jet fuels for export and domestic use. Africa Sustainability Matters
• [New] Accelerated adoption of drought-resistant seeds and smarter irrigation could double agricultural exports by 2040, positioning South Africa as a continental leader in food system resilience. IOL
• [New] Without bold interventions, South Africa's agricultural growth will remain modest over the next two decades. IOL
• [New] Cyber threats in South Africa are growing more sophisticated every day. Cybercrime Magazine
• The climate agenda, a traditionally important item for South Africa, will certainly take priority on the overall Summit agenda, especially given that Brazil is holding COP 30 at the end of 2025. What Africa expects from BRICS Summit in Brazil
• South Africa is entering a new phase of regulatory reform that will significantly influence how infrastructure and energy projects are procured and delivered in the future, reflecting broader global trends toward transparency, sustainability, and streamlined governance. Pinsent Masons
• Countries that have submitted their 2035 NDC targets include G20 members Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, Brazil, Japan, Indonesia, Russia, Ethiopia, Kenya, Nigeria, Morocco, South Africa, as well as Switzerland, Norway, Nepal and the UAE. Australian Broadcasting Corporation
• At the regional level, the AFR100 initiative commits over 30 countries to restoring 100 million hectares by 2030, increasingly emphasizing ecosystem restoration (e.g., avoiding conversion of natural savannas), trees outside forests, and local value chains. / South Africa EurekAlert!
• More than 65 jurisdictions have already adopted or taken concrete steps toward implementing the global minimum tax and plans to share recommendations with the South African G20 Presidency on simplifying international tax rules, particularly for developing countries. Brownstein
• South Africa's vanadium resources are strategically located in regions like Mpumalanga province, which presents opportunities for industrial transition from coal-based economic activities toward clean energy technologies. Discovery Alert
• South Africa's world-famous Kruger National Park could become known by a new name if some local politicians have their way. BBC News
• Hochreiter adds: South African supply of all PGMs will be down 10% year on year. Financial Mail
• While production losses for the full year are expected to moderate to about 3% year on year, platinum specifically is forecast for a full-year supply of 5.4-million ounces - a 6% decline. / South Africa Financial Mail
• The upcoming local government elections will be a crucial test - not just of party politics, but of whether South African democracy can evolve to meet citizens' clear demand for competent, collaborative governance that actually delivers services. IOL

Last updated: 11 November 2025