State of the Nation 2013: Implications for Business
President Jacob Zuma addressed a somewhat distracted South African population in his State of the Nation speech. He started and finished the lengthy presentation by reaffirming the commitment of government to the vision set out in the National Development Plan. Unsurprisingly, this was one of a number of echoes of policy decisions made at the ANC’s National Conference held in Mangaung in December 2012.
SA faces a difficult test as it seeks to change its image
DAVOS is important for at least three reasons: it plays a critical role in setting an agenda for global discussions throughout the year; provides networking opportunities of the highest order; and offers countries opportunities to brand themselves with an elite, powerful investor community. It is thus appropriate that South Africa is properly represented. But what can we expect?
Russia–South Africa Relations: Collaboration in BRICS and the G-20
The paper investigates the features of Russia–South Africa relations in light of their membership in BRICS and the G-20.
Resource nationalism threatens Africa’s mining boom
At one level, it seems to be a misnomer used to describe just about any assertive stance taken by governments on extractive sector governance. At another level, it has been used to denote grassroots level activism, extending in some respect to the labour unrest which the rhetoric around the nationalisation of mines in South Africa may have exacerbated.
The Role of Public Sentiment and Social Media in the Evolving China–Africa Relationship
The demands of public diplomacy have shifted with the development of social media technologies.
Is the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative Relevant for Reducing Diversions of Public Revenue? The Mozambican Experience
The Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative in Mozambique (MEITI or EITI) is largely irrelevant in preventing diversions of public funds.
Franco–Senegalese Relations 2000–2012
France’s oldest relationship in sub-Saharan Africa is with Senegal. The French presence in Senegal dates from the 17th century. In the 19th century the Four Communes of Senegal, along with France’s other former colonies, gained the right to send a member of parliament to Paris.
Wade’s Senegal and its Relations with Guinea-Bissau: Brother, Patron or Regional Hegemon?
Against the background of the low-intensity conflict that affects its Casamance region, Senegal should pay particular attention to its relations with its southern neighbour, Guinea-Bissau.
It’s Time for the National Programme of Action
As the APRM celebrates 10 years of its existence, it is important to highlight the immense achievements of the mechanism.
China’s Economic Statecraft and African Mineral Resources: Changing Modes of Engagement
China’s impressive inroads into Africa’s resources sectors over the past decade are explained largely by the timely match between a cash-loaded China in search of raw materials and a continent with a vast pool of underdeveloped mineral deposits, exploration of which has been hindered for decades by underinvestment and infrastructure bottlenecks.