Tag: SouthAfrica

The US-Iran war and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz weighed on the global economy in the second quarter of 2026. Higher energy prices pushed global inflation higher. Consequently, some markets adopted a more hawkish monetary policy stance. The operating environment in South Africa (SA) during the first half of 2026 was mixed. Real GDP growth in the first quarter surprised on the upside.

In the first revision since 2017, Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC), Parks Tau, has gazetted amendments to the merger notification thresholds and filing fees. The amendments took effect on 1 May 2026. The amendments, published on 8 May 2026, confirm the previously proposed draft thresholds and filing fees, as set out below. The changes mark a significant adjustment to South Africa’s merger control regime.

At the beginning of the year, there was cautious optimism that the construction environment, while still constrained, might at least become more predictable. However, that optimism did not last. Within weeks, the Iran conflict and disruptions to global energy markets pushed fuel prices sharply higher. The knock-on effects spread across the entire construction delivery chain. They affected plant operations, transport, materials, labour allocation and project timelines.

The Public Procurement Act 28 of 2024 is signed but not yet in force. However, the Constitutional Court is yet to rule on a challenge by the Western Cape Government, the City of Cape Town and amaBhungane. They argue that Parliament failed to facilitate reasonable public participation on material amendments, as required by section 59(1)(a) of the Constitution. That judgment is still pending.

The Financial Intelligence Centre’s attempt to impose retrospective penalties for a period extending fully five years prior to the existence of any lawful authority is not merely misguided, it is a brazen affront to the rule of law.

Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) cannot grow without access to funding, and South Africa needs its SMEs to grow. What needs to change in the middle? The frame for South Africa’s economic growth in 2026 is one of modest recovery. The National Treasury’s 2026 Budget Review projects real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth of around 1.6%. The World Bank echoes these figures, at 1.4%, and expects growth to increase to 1.5% by 2027.

Businesses are expanding across borders. New trade corridors are emerging. Regional ambition also remains strong. However, liquidity, payment and execution challenges continue to shape the reality of doing business across Africa. Six months into 2026, African trade is growing, but it appears to be telling two stories at once.

South Africa's new South African Revenue Service (SARS) Traveller Declaration is part of a global shift that's redrawing the business travel checklist. Border and customs compliance has always been something travellers dealt with at the airport. However, that is no longer the case.

What’s in a name? As birding grows in popularity, more people are beginning to appreciate that birds carry not only ecological significance but also unique stories embedded in the names they have been given. South African Birds by Name provides insight into the origins and meanings of these scientific names. Most are rooted in Greek and Latin. The book helps readers better understand the species they encounter.

South Africa’s mining sector has long been shaped by migrant labour systems. Employees travelled vast distances from rural homes to industrial centres. For decades, hostel accommodation supported this reality. Although functional in many respects, it ultimately proved undesirable and unsustainable for our social fabric.