Macro Review

Macro Review

The Macro Review is a monthly report providing insight into the current trends shaping a specific social, environmental, economic, or political risk in South Africa. This report unpacks the numbers to indicate how political risks are evolving, and the way in which this may impact the business environment and social stability in South Africa.

Welfare State: Social grants in South Africa

November 2022 - This edition of the Macro Review from the Centre For Risk Analysis (CRA) provides an overview of South Africa’s welfare system.

Publication description

The report looks at:

  •  Social grant recipients 
  • Welfare distribution
  • The Social Relief of Distress grant
  • Social grant dependency
  • The financing of welfare

South Africa's Elusive Demographic Dividend

October 2022 - This edition of the Macro Review from the Centre For Risk Analysis (CRA) provides an overview of demographic trends in South Africa.

Publication description

The report looks at:

  • SA's population profile
  • Life expectancy and fertility rates
  • Births and deaths
  • Dependency ratios
  • Migration and urbanisation

Out Of A Job: SA's Great Crisis

September 2022 - This edition of the Macro Review from the Centre For Risk Analysis (CRA) looks at South Africa’s unabating unemployment crisis.

Publication description

  • Trends in unemployment and labour absorption
  • Employment levels after the Covid-19 lockdowns
  • The likelihood of young people finding work
  • Living standards and ANC support
  • Dependency on grants

South Africa's Crime Epidemic

August 2022 - This edition of the Macro Review from the Centre For Risk Analysis (CRA) looks at South Africa’s national crime trends, the cost of violence, and anti-crime strategies.

Publication description

This report looks at: 

  • Trends in violent crime
  • Growing public frustration in themidst of rising crime
  • The economic impact of crime
  • Policingand alternative security measures
  • Prospects of decentralising the police

Municipal Malaise

July 2022 - This edition of the Macro Review from the Centre For Risk Analysis (CRA) reviews the state of municipalities in South Africa, focusing on the political and socio-economic implications of persistent local government failures.

Publication description

This report explores:

  • The state of municipal finances.
  • How basic service delivery is faltering across South Africa.
  • What is the impact on businesses and households in local communities?
  • What should be done to improve business confidence and restore municipal performance?

Dark days for South Africa

June 2022 - This edition of the Macro Review from the Centre For Risk Analysis (CRA) looks at South Africa’s electricity generation capacity and how disruptions impact the country’s economic performance.

Publication description

This report explores: 

  • Eskom's capacity constraints 
  • The energy utility's growing debt burden
  • How reliable electricity supply is critical for economic growth
  • How viable is renewable energy?