Carika Middelberg is currently an Analyst at the CRA. Her focuses include party politics, transportation, and international politics. Carika completed her Bachelor and Honours in Political science and International Relations at the University of Pretoria.
[Letter] State’s mixed messages
Government targets private capital, but introduces laws that make SA a riskier place to invest
[Letter] Double whammy could cause steel shortages
While it remains uncertain whether ArcelorMittal SA (Amsa) will receive a R1bn bailout, the domestic steel industry faces mounting challenges. If Amsa shuts down permanently it is unlikely that Transnet Port Terminals (TPT) can compensate for the loss of locally produced long steel with an immediate increase in break-bulk steel imports.
[Audio] SWAPO faces it's toughest test as Namibia heads for crucial elections
Voters in Namibia will go to the polls on WEDNESDAY (27 November) to choose their next president and parliamentary representatives. The elections come after President Hage Geingob died in February and was replaced on a interim basis by his deputy, Nangolo Mbumba. The election could mark a historic shift in the country's political landscape if the ruling SWAPO party, in power since independence in 1990, loses control of the presidency or parliament for the first time. The president is directly elected by voters and needs to garner more than 50% of votes to win. Support for SWAPO dropped from 87% in the presidential election in 2014 to 56% in 2019.To look at these crucial elections Bongiwe Zwane spoke to Carika Middelberg, an analyst from the Centre for Risk Analysis
[Letter] GNU central to ANC leadership
The ANC will hold its next leadership conference in 2027, when delegates will deliberate on who to elect to the top positions and the party’s national executive committee (NEC).
[Letter] Infrastructure investment lags population growth
One of the great challenges facing the government of national unity (GNU) is the declining quality of infrastructure. Finding new sources of funding for investments in, as well as maintenance and building of, infrastructure should be one of government’s top priorities.
[Letter] GNU’s survival despite areas of contention indicates strength
But some issues, such as National Health Insurance, could cause bigger ructions and possibly hard splits
[Letter] SA citizens have low quality of life
Challenges facing consumers a reflection of the state of governance in SA.
[Letter] Lax biosecurity a threat to agriculture
No or limited government funding is available to implement control measures.