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 | SA’s vulnerable public cyberspace

22 April 2024 - In this week's exclusive client Risk Alert, we comment on the escalating attacks on government IT systems as South Africa’s public cyberspace remains vulnerable.

Publication description

Johannesburg Water’s infrastructure investment backlog comes into focus, together with a note on the government’s lackadaisical approach to ensuring public participation in law-making processes.

We close with a look at the latest inflation figures for South Africa, as well as the IMF’s economic growth forecasts.

Risk Alert | Another Zuma win

In this week's exclusive client Risk Alert, we look at former President Jacob Zuma’s victory in the Electoral Court, with a new poll pointing to the ANC’s ongoing struggles.

Publication description

The impact of the El Niño weather cycle on South Africa is assessed, followed by an analysis of US inflation data.

We close with a look at the US Dollar Index and commodity prices, amid geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.

Risk Alert | Leaky creaky pipes

8 April 2024 - In this week's exclusive client Risk Alert, we look at South Africa’s slow-moving but massive water crisis which is now being flagged as a security concern.

Publication description

The recently published municipal Governance Performance Index comes to the fore, followed by a comment on steel consumption and infrastructure investment.

We close with a look at new Film and Publication Board regulations that raise the spectre of surveillance and censorship in South Africa.

Risk Alert | Ramaphosa poised to sign Expropriation Bill

02 April 2024 - In this week's exclusive client Risk Alert, we look at the National Assembly’s passing of the Expropriation Bill, with all that remains being President Cyril Ramaphosa’s signature.

Publication description

The state of South Africa’s fuel energy supplies is assessed, together with the implications of food price disparities for consumers and the broader economy.

We close with another piece of legislation: Parliament’s adoption of the General Intelligence Laws Amendment Bill, as well as an update on interest rates in South Africa.

Risk Alert | Expropriation lurks

25 March 2024 - In this week's exclusive client Risk Alert, we look at the Expropriation Bill, which is continuing its slow progress through Parliament ahead of the general election.

Publication description

South African inflation and interest rates come into focus, together with a review of the latest rate moves internationally.

We close with a look at current US-SA relations, as well as a pre-election update on India.

Risk Alert | MK on the rampage

18 March 2024 - In this week's exclusive client Risk Alert, we look at the latest polling data tracking newly formed uMkhonto weSizwe’s growing levels of support, and unpack the implications of former president Jacob Zuma featuring at the top of the party’s candidate list.

Publication description

The ramping up of racial targets in the financial services industry is highlighted, together with party funding issues envisaged in the Electoral Matters Amendment Bill.

In closing, we analyse the impact of the damage to four undersea cables connecting South Africa to the world, as well as the latest CPI data from the United States.