Videos

The US-South Africa Bilateral Relations Review Act progresses

CRA Executive Director Chris Hattingh provides a quick update on the latest developments in SA-US trade and diplomatic relations.

Damage control, not problem solving

Gideon Joubert joins the CRA’s Chris Hattingh to unpack South Africa's newly released National Security Strategy, the explosive allegations from KZN Provincial Commissioner General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, and the current health of the nation's security apparatus. They explore how these revelations could impact the African National Congress (ANC) politically as it approaches its pivotal 2027 elective conference. Joubert critically examines President Ramaphosa's recent announcement of yet another Commission of Inquiry on 13 July, highlighting widespread public skepticism given past experiences, notably the Zondo Commission. The discussion further interrogates the timing and intent behind the National Security Strategy’s release, questioning whether it represents genuine reform or merely damage control aimed at managing public perceptions amid heightened concerns about potential instability and coup risks in South Africa.

Can SA Withstand US Tariff Pressure?

IRR researcher Anlu Keeve and CRA Executive Director Chris Hattingh discuss the announcement by the United States to impose a 30% blanket tariff on South African products. They unpack the United States' evolving stance on global trade, the future of the African Growth and Opportunity Act, and South Africa’s position in the shifting trade landscape. Mr Hattingh outlines President Trump’s "America First" approach, and explains how "non-tariff barriers" could become tools of pressure. Ms Keeve and Mr Hattingh further explore how South Africa can strengthen its trade credibility; by attracting skilled professionals, unlocking its consumer market, and accelerating reforms in rail and port infrastructure.

SA's auto sector under pressure

Executive Director of the CRA, Chris Hattingh, and IRR Researcher, Anlu Keeve, discuss the decision by Mercedes Benz South Africa to suspend operations at their East London plant. Though higher US tariffs may have influenced the suspension, it is mainly domestic challenges such as logistics issues, inconsistent electricity supply, high crime rates and labour disruptions, that make it difficult for the auto manufacturing sector to operate in South Africa.

The GNU holds - just.

Hermann Pretorius, Head of Strategic Communications at the Institute of Race Relations (IRR), joins Chris Hattingh to discuss the latest tensions in the Government of National Unity (GNU) following the firing of Democratic Alliance (DA) deputy minister, Andrew Whitfield. Mr Pretorius explains that the DA will eventually depart the GNU. However, due to the popularity of the GNU amongst voters, the DA will need to provide a compelling reason to exit the coalition.

SA risks irrelevance in global trade reset

CRA Executive Director, Chris Hattingh, discusses how a surge in global trade volatility in recent months presents an opportunity for South Africa to reassess its trade and investment policies. Mr Hattingh also highlights how China is taking steps to strengthen its trade ties with Africa and what this will mean for the continent and South Africa. To take advantage of these emerging opportunities, South Africa must reconsider its protectionist policies and fix its trade infrastructure.

Municipal dysfunction: a brake on growth

CRA Executive Director Chris Hattingh unpacks the findings of the CRA's Macro Review on municipalities, and links it to the latest report from the Auditor-General South Africa. Mr Hattingh details why few municipalities received clean audits, and how chronic financial mismanagement of South Africa's metros is crippling the country's economic growth prospects.

Kickbacks and Carveouts

Hermann Pretorius, Head of Strategic Communications at the Institute of Race Relations (IRR), joins Chris Hattingh to discuss why big businesses tolerate government's harmful economic policies. Mr Pretorius details how transformation policies are protecting monopolies, hurting smaller businesses, and hindering competition and innovation.