Videos

A Relationship on Thin Ice

CRA Executive Director Chris Hattingh is in Washington DC to gain exclusive insights about the latest developments in the US-South Africa relationship. He details how leaders on Capitol are frustrated about South Africa’s perceived antagonistic foreign policy, how the country's domestic policies are affecting US businesses, and the underperformance of the Government of National Unity.

Disconnected & disorganised defence: The state of the SANDF

The CRA's Chris Hattingh speaks to Ricardo Teixeira, Editor at ProtectionWeb, and Defence and National Security Analyst at defenceWeb about the state of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF). The two discuss the impact of patronage and cadre deployment, the lack of military resources and equipment, low morale amongst troops, the likelihood of a coup, and the recommendations of the 2015 Defence Review. Mr Teixeira also details the intention of state-owned arms manufacturer Denel to develop new equipment in light of the Department of Defence's failure to ensure adequate funding.

Distractions, deflections and scapegoats

Anlu Keeve speaks to the CRA’s Chris Hattingh about recent developments in the relationship between the United States (US) and South Africa, including accusations that members of the Democratic Alliance are spreading disinformation about South Africa's domestic policies. Mr Hattingh further unpacks the growing diplomatic rift between the US and South Africa, noting the defensiveness of the South African Government as it attempts to shut down criticism of its foreign policy posture.

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.