ZAF
Stories (5)
South Africa's Foreign Policy Shift Ahead
South Africa’s foreign policy is at a crossroads, needing to shift from a historically loyalty-driven approach to one grounded in strategic pragmatism. The country has balanced Western economic ties with diversifying partnerships (notably with China and emerging markets), but it remains deeply embedded in Western financial systems and sanctions regimes increasingly weaponized in a fragmented, high-stakes global environment. Tensions have risen as South Africa publicly critiqu
2026-05-24US-South Africa Talks on Critical Minerals
South Africa and the United States have begun promising neutral talks focused on jointly developing SA’s critical minerals, many of which are vital to the US. The dialogue, sparked by CSIS-organized meetings in Washington (March) and Johannesburg (May 6), aims to expand collaboration beyond off-take deals to upstream supply chains, beneficiation, technology transfer, and investment. The discussions signal a thaw in SA–US relations and high-level engagement (ambassador, deputy
2026-05-24South Africa's Role in a Multipolar World
Summary: The article argues that South Africa can lead Africa’s integration into a multipolar world by pursuing pragmatic, reform-driven policy changes. Key recommendations include deep structural reforms to public-sector performance, logistics, and regional consolidation to attract global capital. A reimagined role for South Africa as an enabling hub could attract Chinese and other emerging and Western companies to establish regional HQs and supply chains for a broader pan-A
2026-05-24Mbalula and Covert Russian Influence in SA
Summary: - Topic: The Propaganda Machine series reports on covert Russian influence operations led by The Company (SVR) in South Africa, Namibia, and Madagascar, uncovering how these agents sought to shape elections and political outcomes between 2019 and 2025. - South Africa: Russian operatives allegedly helped the ANC with internal support ahead of the 2019 elections, including sociological data, counter-opposition strategies, and social media management. The aim was to ke
2026-05-24South Africa's Foreign Policy Challenges
South Africa’s foreign policy under the Government of National Unity is largely adrift, with continuity embedded but a widening gap between ambition and resources. Key tensions arise from the ANC and DA’s divergent backgrounds, affecting policy direction and Western relations. The GNU’s 2024 priorities are broad and vague on foreign policy, leading to a lack of clear focus on growth, poverty reduction, and equity. The International Relations and Cooperation department frequen
2026-05-24