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.

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?

Siege Economy: SA Trade

May 2022 - This edition of the Macro Review from the Centre For Risk Analysis (CRA) utilises South African trade indicators to lift the lid on the country’s current trade landscape and analyse the risks that could impact the country’s future exports and imports.

Publication description

The report includes data and analysis of:

Trends in SA's current account balance
Merchandise exports and imports
SA'schief merchandise trading partners
Currencies and commodities
The risks of trade protectionism

SA’s Investment conundrum

April 2022 - This edition of the Macro Review tracks foreign investment in South Africa and South African investment offshore over the short, medium, and long term.

Publication description

The report includes data and analysis of:

Annual change in Real Gross Fixed Capital Formation (GFCF)
Public and private investment
GFCF by economic activity
Foreign liabilities and foreign assets
Bonds and equities”