Risk Alert

The Risk Alert is a weekly two-page analysis of emerging political and economic risks. It provides guidance on how topical events, both locally and globally, will influence South Africa’s business and investment environment. The Risk Alert, presented in both PDF and audio formats, is published every Monday morning, — helping CRA clients to begin each week armed with the latest analysis of key events.

Risk Alert (Week of 25 May 2020)

Following President Ramaphosa’s announcement last night, Dr Frans Cronje argues that support for the economic lockdown has largely collapsed within the government and that the move to level-3 will see a significant degree of economic reopening.

Publication description

CRA calculations reveal that South Africa’s R rate remains above 1, suggesting that the pandemic is still expanding exponentially more than 60 days after the country recorded its 100th case.

Risk Alert (Week of 18 May 2020)

This week, Dr Frans Cronje, argues that South Africa’s purported move to Lockdown Level 3 remains vague, with no clear benchmarks attached to the various levels, and no plan in place to manage the transition.

Publication description

Globally, Dr Cronje observes that the continued posturing between the USA and China will be tempered by both nations’ interdependent trade relationship.

Expect a stuttering economic re-opening in Europe and the UK if Covid-19 reproductive rates remain below 1.

Risk Alert (Week of 11 May 2020)

This week, Dr Frans Cronje considers tensions between the United States and China, and the prospects for both economies in a post-Covid-19 global recovery.

Publication description

Domestically, Dr Cronje highlights the recent statements made by President Ramaphosa in favour of “Radical Economic Transformation” as well as the isolation of the Finance Minister within the cabinet.

Risk Alert (Week of 4 May 2020)

This week, Bheki Mahlobo argues that the move from Stage 5 to Stage 4 lockdown represents a political response to public frustration at the lockdown, rather than a substantive change in policy.

Publication description

Mahlobo notes that the reform faction of the ANC remains a minority, with the securocrats and ideologues controlling the balance of power.

Internationally, Mahlobo highlights the risk of South Africa’s foreign policy stances undermining longer term access to western funding.

Risk Alert (Week of 27 April)

CRA Research Assistant, Bheki Mahlobo argues that this week’s expected move from phase 5 to phase 4 of the South African lockdown may do relatively little to restore much by way of domestic economic activity.

Publication description

Mahlobo notes that the weakness of South Africa’s stimulus position, combined with the flaws in the new lockdown model could see a major crisis in which public confidence in the government collapses just as the South African infection curve escalates and millions of people are forced to come to terms with deepening impoverishment.

Risk Alert (Week of 20 April)

This week, Dr Frans Cronje considers the proposal by the European Commission to reopen the economies of Europe, and contrasts this with the recent tightening of restrictions in Japan.

Publication description

On South Africa, Dr Cronje discusses the growing likelihood of increased stimulus spending and highlights the prospect of money-printing as a medium-term risk.

Dr Cronje also reflects on the risks attendant to a premature re-opening of South Africa’s schools, which, he argues, would undermine much of the effect of the lockdown to date.