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.

South Africa's Next Transition

This edition of the Macro Review from the Centre For Risk Analysis provides an overview of South Africa’s 2024 general election results, as well as the historical trends to demonstrate the country’s shifting political landscape.

Publication description

This report looks at: 
  • Election results and the ANC's performance
  • The provincial picture
  • The continued fracturing of South African politics
  • Declining voter turnout

Voter's choice, uncertain future

This edition of the Macro Review from the Centre For Risk Analysis examines the current political landscape and the prevailing trends ahead of the 29 May national and provincial elections in South Africa.

Publication description

This report looks at:

  • Eligible and registered voters
  • Voter turnout
  • The National Assembly and National Council of Provinces
  • By-elections
  • Latest polling results

SA Education and the 4IR Illusion

This edition of the Macro Review from the Centre For Risk Analysis looks at South Africa’s education system, and how the school environment is unable to prepare pupils for an increasingly tech-driven world.

Publication description

This report looks at:

  • Basic and post-school education spending
  • Public and private school enrolment
  • Grade 12 maths and science results
  • Post-school participation and outcomes
  • Education and the world of work

Not enough pie to go around

23 February 2024 - The latest edition of the Macro Review from the Centre For Risk Analysis unpacks the 2024/25 National Budget and identifies the long-term risks to South Africa's public finances.

Publication description

This report looks at: 
  • South Africa's fiscal trajectory
  • Government revenue and expenditure levels
  • National debt and debt service costs
  • The tax base
  • Emerging fiscal risks

South Africa’s Quality of Life

January 2024 - The latest edition of the Macro Review updates the Quality of Life Index (QOLI) developed by the Centre for Risk Analysis (CRA).

Publication description

The report includes a comprehensive analysis of:

  • The standard of living in South Africa based on 10 weighted indicators.
  • The quality of life across South Africa's nine provinces.  
  • The quality of life across South Africa's four main racial groups. 

South Africa in brief

December 2023 - The latest edition of the Macro Review from the Centre For Risk Analysis looks at South Africa across a range of political, economic and social indicators.

Publication description

This report looks at: 

  • SA's population profile and living conditions
  • The economy and government finances
  • Education and the labour market
  • Business and infrastructure indicators 
  • Health and welfare snippets 
  • Crime levels and public opinion