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 | Complex coalitions

20 November 2023 - In this week's exclusive client Risk Alert, we comment on tensions in the ANC — between the National Executive Committee and the Gauteng caucus — as well as the latest quarterly crime statistics.

Publication description

A new report from Harvard University on South Africa’s growth constraints comes to the fore, together with an update on the country’s logistics crisis.

We close with a look at the latest unemployment statistics for South Africa, as well as core Consumer Price Index figures out of the United States.

Risk Alert | SA’s sluggish ports

13 November 2023 - In this week's exclusive client Risk Alert, we look at South Africa’s struggling ports, with news that some global shipping companies will impose congestion surcharges at South African ports.

Publication description

The mounting challenges facing South Africa’s farmers are examined, the latest involving threats to deny export permits to companies deemed to be insufficiently racially transformed.

We close with an assessment of South Africa’s relationship with Israel and the United States, as well as challenges around China’s economy and foreign policy.

Risk Alert | A realistic budget

06 November 2023 - In this week's exclusive client Risk Alert, we discuss the 2023 Medium Term Budget Policy Statement.

Publication description

The prospects for increased infrastructure investment in South Africa are also examined, including the country’s likelihood of retaining its Africa Growth and Opportunity Act Forum privileges.

We then close with a probe into whether inflation may have peaked globally.

Risk Alert | Job numbers uptick

30 October 2023 - In this week's exclusive client Risk Alert, we discuss some positive news from South Africa’s labour market.

Publication description

Some recent polling data on political party support features, followed by an International Monetary Fund warning about sub-Saharan food security.

We close with an update on the state of preparedness of South Africa’s military, as well as imminent changes to South African education law.

Risk Alert | Playing with fire

23 October 2023 - In this week's exclusive client Risk Alert, we begin with new polling from the Brenthurst Foundation, with support for the ANC nationally registering at 41%.

Publication description

Next, we turn to foreign policy, and Minister Pandor’s Hamas phone call. Thereafter we analyse the latest inflation data for South Africa.

We close by unpacking the SARB’s second Monetary Policy Review for 2023, as well as the prospects for reform over the short-term.

Risk Alert | Executive flight

17 October 2023 – In this week's exclusive client Risk Alert, we discuss the departure of executives from key State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) — Eskom and Transnet — amid hints at imminent private sector involvement in the running of some parastatals.

Publication description

The latest growth outlook from the International Monetary Fund comes into focus, including up-to-date industry indicators for South Africa.

We close with the latest on South Africa’s fiscal state, and what new inflation data from the United States suggests about the Federal Reserve’s next move on rates.