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 | Ballots, Banks, and BEE battles

6 May 2024 - In this week’s exclusive Risk Alert, we look at South Africa’s political developments, which have come into the spotlight as major parties move to consolidate their support.

Publication description

The government’s relentless push for racial transformation is flagged, as well as the continued pressure experienced by South African consumers.

We close with a look at the recent interest rate adjustments by the US Federal Reserve, as well as South Africa’s ongoing struggle with stubborn inflation.

Risk Alert | No ‘sunrise’ for mining industry

29 April 2024 - In this week's exclusive client Risk Alert, we look at South Africa’s mining industry, which is in the spotlight as Australian mining behemoth BHP makes a bid for an iconic South African company, Anglo American.

Publication description

Job losses in mining come to the fore, including the reasons for the sector’s underperformance.

We close with a look at the latest political polling data, as well as South Africa’s attempts to clamp down on terrorism financing.

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.