Country Profile
From The Report: South Africa 2013
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Often referred to as the Rainbow Nation, South Africa has a heterogeneous population that reflects its rich and sometimes turbulent history. Recent times have seen the country score a number of high-profile successes, such as inclusion in the BRICS bloc, as a result of strong economic performance. South Africa benefits from strong ties with a number of major global powers, among which its single largest trading partner is China. The country remains an active leader in the African Union and the UN, where it was a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council until January 2013.
This chapter contains interviews with President Jacob Zuma; Anand Sharma, Indian Minister of Commerce and Industry; Mo Ibrahim, Founder and Chair, Mo Ibrahim Foundation; and Zafer Çağlayan, Turkish Minister of Economy.

Articles from this Chapter

Overview

Leading the continent: The country remains a key regional bellwether
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Often referred to as the Rainbow Nation, South Africa has a heterogeneous population which reflects its rich and sometimes turbulent history. The country has been known as a centre for gold and ivory trading since as long ago as 12,000 AD, with established trade routes to both India and China. By the mid-1600s, it had become a useful staging post for Dutch traders working the spice route between the Netherlands and the Far East. The arrival of the British in significant numbers towards the end of…

Interview

Mutual benefit: OBG talks to Anand Sharma, Indian Minister of Commerce and Industry
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Intreview:Anand Sharma To what extent can members of IBSA and BRICS improve coordination on global trade issues? ANAND SHARMA: Under IBSA, India, Brazil and South Africa have long consulted one another on matters of social and economic development, poverty alleviation, global commerce, and geo-political developments. These consultations help us formulate and articulate common positions that reflect not only our shared interests, but also the interests of the developing world in general. The…

Overview

Challenges and opportunities: Natural resources and strong economic growth reveal potential, yet the country must navigate social issues
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Since the end of apartheid in 1994, South Africa has come a long way. Indeed, the Rainbow Nation is a symbol of what other continental economies aspire to, with a liberalised economy, a comparatively robust democracy, a free media and the potential for socioeconomic mobility. However, the challenges the country faces, which range from an increasingly strained infrastructure to income disparity and issues of equality, have also highlighted some of the obstacles inherent in achieving a sustainable…