2026 growth outlook darkens
In our latest Client Note, CRA Executive Director Chris Hattingh warns that South Africa's 2026 growth outlook has darkened, and the risks are compounding faster than many expected.
With oil above $100, fuel and electricity prices rising, household consumption under pressure, and fixed investment still nowhere near the levels needed for sustained growth, this is a consequential moment for business planning.
Proposed new law likely to worsen SA water crisis
In this exclusive CRA Client Note, Dr Anthea Jeffery unpacks the potential ramifications of a proposed new law – the Water Service Amendment Bill of 2025.
Dr Jeffery writes that the Bill will only worsen South Africa's water crisis by giving more control to the same institutions that produced the crisis.
US trade investigation into SA labour practices
In this exclusive CRA Client Note, Ofentse Davhie unpacks the White House's trade investigation threatening South Africa.
Mr Davhie explains the allegations around forced labour in South Africa's export supply chains, and the punitive actions that could follow.
SA's growth performance still falls short
In this exclusive CRA Client Note, Anlu Keeve unpacks the 2025 GDP figures for South Africa.
Ms Keeve writes that South Africa's economy is weakened by a poor domestic policy environment, making the country highly vulnerable to external shocks and global volatility.
As the Iran war unfolds, what's the point of BRICS?
In this exclusive CRA Client Note, Ofentse Davhie discusses the structural limits of the BRICS bloc.
Mr Ofentse writes that membership of the bloc does not guarantee political or military support.
US, Israel and Iran conflict impacts on South Africa
In this exclusive CRA Client Note, Chris Hattingh examines the near-term energy and economic risks to South African businesses emanating from the US, Israel and Iran conflict.
A new US ambassador: Risk and opportunities
In this exclusive CRA Client Note, Chris Hattingh discusses the arrival of the new US ambassador to South Africa, Leo Brent Bozel III, and the risks and opportunities he brings to the country's shores.
Mr Hattingh writes that South Africa could benefit over the long term if the government adopts a more pragmatic foreign policy approach and implements the necessary reforms.
Is the economic hype justified?
In this exclusive CRA Client Note, Chris Hattingh looks at how recent positive headlines about South Africa could fuel political complacency.
Mr Hattingh writes that South Africa's economic recovery will be short-lived as long as anti-growth policies remain in place, and major infrastructural issues go unaddressed.