South Africa Country Report
South Africa has made significant political and economic progress since the end of apartheid in the early 1990s. However, the legacy of race-based politics is still visible in many sectors of society. The African National Congress (ANC) continues to dominate despite a significant loss of popular support in recent years due to long-term socio-economic problems, the collapse of energy and production networks, and its inability to deal with successive energy crises. Gives. A major corruption scandal
Although civil unrest has subsided significantly since the end of apartheid, widespread and frequent destructive protests and strikes remain, many of them revolving around service delivery and socio-economic grievances. The unequal distribution of wealth, largely along racial lines, has fueled the spread of crime and, along with the endemic HIV/AIDS epidemic, has undermined the country’s economic development.
Major threats to foreign tourists include violent criminal activity and high rates of road fatalities. Infrastructure is relatively well developed in most parts of the country, but economically less developed in less developed areas, while in recent years problems with water and electricity supply due to changing weather patterns and mismanagement of public works have become increasingly common. occurs frequently.
Last updated: May 19, 2023
Security
South Africa has some of the highest levels of criminal activity on the African continent, with violent crimes such as robbery, carjacking, rape and murder affecting even the more affluent areas of the country’s main urban centers.
Although homicides and gang activity are concentrated in the economically disadvantaged suburbs of the country’s major cities, the use of firearms during robberies is ubiquitous, and even minor robberies can quickly turn violent. There is a possibility of its escalation. Power outages usually lead to increased opportunistic criminal activity.
Civil unrest and labor unrest occur frequently in urban areas, often turning violent and causing significant disruption to travel and local services. Student riots have also increased in frequency and intensity in recent years.
Although the terrorist group has not carried out recent attacks in the country, it is known to use South Africa for logistics, recruitment and financing.
Last updated: May 19, 2023
Infrastructure
There are also concerns about aviation safety.
Although South Africa’s road network is generally in good condition, dangerous driving by some local road users and widespread criminal activity pose a serious threat to overland travel.
South African ports are among the most inefficient ports in the world.
Fuel shortages and service interruptions mainly affect areas around metropolitan centers, and power grid and communications supplies in central and commercial areas are generally reliable.
Electricity supply is limited and unstable. South Africa’s energy infrastructure is of poor quality, rapidly aging and regularly experiencing power supply disruptions. Starting in late 2022, authorities have implemented near-continuous blackouts known as load shedding, resulting in blackouts of up to nine hours a day. This compromises the functionality of communication devices, the availability of public transport, road safety and security protocols.
Identity theft and other online-based criminal activities are a serious concern, and authorities have taken steps in recent years to create a framework to combat cybercrime.
Last updated: May 19, 2023
Environment
South Africa generally has a temperate climate, and its temperature and conditions are influenced by the high altitude of the inland plateau and the ocean that surrounds the country on three sides. Many parts of South Africa experience heavy rainfall during the summer months, from mid-October to mid-February, which poses a risk of flooding in some low-lying areas. Unlike many other parts of the country, most of the Western Cape’s rainfall is in the winter. Forest fires are dangerous for dry areas such as those around Cape Town. Drought occurs frequently in parts of the country and can cause serious water crises.
Last updated: December 8, 2022
Health and Medical
HIV/AIDS is a major public health concern in South Africa, with approximately one fifth of the population living with the virus. Although malaria is largely absent in the country, it is a seasonal concern in some areas. Private health centers in major cities provide a good standard of care and most pharmacies are well equipped.
Last updated: September 14, 2022
Political
South Africa has enjoyed relative stability under the African National Congress (ANC) since the end of apartheid, but the party’s credibility and legitimacy have come under pressure in recent years amid corruption scandals and an inability to address long-standing socioeconomic grievances. This issue has been questioned and political opponents have been moved to major urban centers. In February 2018, President Jacob Zuma was forced to resign due to long-running corruption allegations, and Cyril Ramaphosa, his deputy and the newly elected leader of the African National Congress, became president.
Despite a good anti-corruption regulatory framework, corruption remains widespread in South Africa, although anti-corruption efforts are increasing. The country’s judiciary is largely independent and has repeatedly clashed with the executive over laws and policies.
Last updated: March 28, 2022
