South African President Cyril Ramaphosa is currently in China for his second state visit, along with his participation in the Summit of The Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) this week. This visit underscores a deepening of bilateral relations, focusing on trade negotiations, political alignment, and strategic financial cooperation, signaling a strengthening of both political and economic ties between the two nations.



&#8220;We are seeking to shift the structure of our trade profile and deepen our investment relationship,” President Ramaphosa emphasized during his address to the SA-China Business Forum. “It is up to us to seize these opportunities and take the economic relationship between our two countries to the next level.&#8221;



Since the formalization of diplomatic relations in 1998, the partnership between South Africa and China has grown significantly. The cooperation has expanded year-on-year, not only in trade and investment but also through broader strategic initiatives, such as their mutual membership in the BRICS bloc. China is South Africa’s largest trading partner, with bilateral trade reaching almost $40 billion in 2023.



Veteran economist Dawie Roodt is clear in highlighting the import of strengthening trade relations with such an economic powerhouse, but also makes clear the importance of shifting the nature of such trade in a manner beneficial to South Africa.



“By purchasing power parity, the Chinese economy is the largest in the world,” says Roodt in an interview with FORBES AFRICA. “I do hope that something will come from this in terms of China actually importing more manufactured goods from South Africa.”



China appears to have listened. During today’s session of the FOCAC Summit, Chinese President Xi Jinping pledged nearly $51 billion in new funding for Africa over the next three years, signaling a strong commitment to deepening China-Africa relations.



This funding includes support for 30 infrastructure projects and 30 clean energy initiatives across the continent, emphasizing China&#8217;s strategic shift toward sustainable development. &#8220;China is ready to deepen cooperation with African countries in industry, agriculture, infrastructure, trade, and investment,&#8221; President Xi stated in today’s address, underscoring the importance of building a &#8220;China-Africa network featuring land-sea links and coordinated development&#8221;. South African exports to China are primarily focused on minerals and agriculture, while imports from China consist largely of manufactured goods. However, the trade imbalance remains a concern, with South Africa importing about twice as much from China as it exports. President Ramaphosa reiterated this concern during his meetings with Chinese leaders, stating, &#8220;We would like to narrow the trade deficit and address the structure of our trade.&#8221;



China’s increasing economic footprint in Africa is also a critical factor in the relationship. With loans totaling $4.61 billion to the continent last year and a growing number of developmental projects, China’s influence in Africa continues to expand. This expansion is not without strategic implications. As part of the broader Belt and Road Initiative, China&#8217;s investments in infrastructure, technology, and renewable energy align with its goals to build stronger ties with African nations.



For South Africa, this means leveraging these investments to boost local manufacturing and job creation. &#8220;We urge for more sustainable manufacturing and job-creating investments,&#8221; President Ramaphosa said, reflecting South Africa&#8217;s push for development that extends beyond raw materials and goods.



This goal appears to be reciprocated, with China aiming to expand market access and facilitate technology transfers, which could benefit South Africa by boosting local industries and creating jobs. With a promise to create at least one million jobs in Africa and to provide $70 billion in fresh investments by Chinese companies as part of the overall funding package, these commitments align with South Africa&#8217;s goals to diversify its economy and reduce its trade deficit with China. This development presents opportunities for South Africa to enhance its export profile, particularly in manufactured goods and value-added products.



On the political front, both nations operate under the framework of a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP). However, discussions during this visit included a proposal to upgrade the relationship to an All-Round Strategic Cooperative Partnership in a New Era. This new level of partnership would not only increase trade ties and commercial commitments but also enhance political alignment, a move clearly indicated in the joint statement issued by both countries on Monday. The statement reaffirmed South Africa’s support for the “One-China policy” and recognized Taiwan as &#8220;an inalienable part of China.&#8221;



Despite this greater political closeness, Roodt is not cynical as to how this might affect South Africa’s broader international relations, but highlighted that this step should not be seen as the sole point around which the country’s trade pivots. “I don&#8217;t think this is going to be an obstacle to our trade and our relationship with other countries, especially the West… As a small, developing, and open economy, South Africa would like to do business with everybody, and establish similar agreements with other countries as well.”



Additionally, both leaders agreed to strengthen cooperation in governance, green technologies, and digital transformation, underscoring the importance of mutual learning and technological exchange. This aligns with South Africa&#8217;s goal to modernize its economy and move towards sustainable development.



As discussions continue, South Africa is poised to advocate for better terms in its economic dealings with China, seeking to balance its trade deficit while expanding cooperation in critical areas such as renewable energy, technology, and infrastructure. The outcomes of these negotiations will likely shape the future trajectory of China-South Africa relations and their collective impact on the African continent&#8217;s economic landscape.

2024 Summit Of The Forum On China-Africa Cooperation – Day 3

South Africa And China Deepen Ties With $51 Billion Commitment And Strategic Partnership Upgrade During State Visit

President Cyril Ramaphosa&#8217;s second term begins with a historic Government of National Unity, sparking cautious market optimism. While the Rand rallies and JP Morgan upgrades South Africa’s rankings, some warn that deep-seated structural issues and potential policy conflicts could impede sustained economic growth.



Today marked the second-term swearing-in of South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa of the African National Congress (ANC), which has for the first time since 1997 been forced to form a Government of National Unity (GNU). The ANC, having lost its parliamentary majority for the first time since the dawn of democracy in the country, has formed a coalition with the opposition Democratic Alliance (DA) among others, an odd set of bedfellows between the proclaimed socialist ANC and neoliberal DA, and a direct response to the more economically left-leaning established Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) and newly-formed Umkhonto we Sizwe (MK) party led by South Africa’s former President Jacob Zuma.



The move has sparked cautious optimism as well as more deliberate takes from markets and economists. Following the announcement of the GNU, the South African rand rallied 0.44% against the dollar against its previous close. Yesterday, global bank JP Morgan upgraded South Africa’s rankings from underweight to overweight. As Ramaphosa took his oath of office on a crisp winter’s morning in the country’s capital Pretoria, the rand broke below R18 to 1USD for the first time in almost a year.



“We affirm our resolute quest to build a growing and inclusive economy that offers opportunities and livelihoods to all people,” said Ramaphosa in his inauguration speech. “They want a transformed, growing, and inclusive economy.”



Unmeasured optimism isn’t the only sentiment, however, despite the short-term reaction of the markets. While noting the positive response, economist Dawie Roodt makes clear that the underlying structural problems are not only to be fixed overnight but that even these short-term benefits are unlikely to be realized for the majority of the populace.



A Problem of Structure



“The recent market optimism, it’s really good news,” said Roodt, Chief Economist of the Efficient Group, to FORBES AFRICA. “But you have to remember that the financial markets are not going to spill over that much into the real economy.”



South Africa has long been grappling with long-term challenges that have hampered economic growth; a battling state-owned electrical utility has meant regular outages to both business and public for nearly two decades. Railways and basic service delivery have redoubled these challenges, and coupled with a shrinking tax base, the short-term economic response will not necessarily lead to any strong long-term economic gains.



“The basic problem in South Africa is service delivery. Unfortunately, the damage that has been done to all levels of government over the past couple of years is really extensive – fixing that is going to be a major issue,” says Roodt. “The GNU’s commitment to infrastructure development and basic service provision is a positive step, but the extent of its impact will depend on the government’s ability to implement these changes effectively.”



There Might Be a Will, But Not a Way



“The people of South Africa have spoken about the land they want to farm, about the businesses they want to run,” said Ramaphosa today. “&#8230; about the things and products they want to make, about the skills they want to learn.”



It&#8217;s unclear at this point politically from where these results will come.



Despite both the DA and ANC appearing to make strong commitments toward the GNU, it’s early days yet. Both parties compromised extensively to achieve the agreement, with the DA confirming it would not support a motion to re-investigate President Ramaphosa over the Phala Phala farm scandal, whilst the ANC is open to negotiating with the DA on top cabinet positions.



The free-market-leaning DA, and the ostensibly more left-leaning ANC are also joined by the Zulu nationalist Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) and conservative but stated economically centrist Patriotic Alliance (PA) in the GNU, all of whom have crucially different stances on economic and social policy.



Long-Term Ramifications



Therein lies the challenge to long-term success, comments Roodt; not only are underlying structural problems unlikely to be solved easily, but what is likely is that a divergence of views could cause inaction and strife within the GNU.



“There are major challenges ahead. Both the DA and the ANC will try to prevent conflicts over policies and ideologies, but inevitably, conflicts will arise,” he comments. “What concerns me is that these conflicts could lead to the end of the coalition and even instability within the ANC itself… I doubt we will see a full five-year term for this new government due to these inevitable policy conflicts.”



In the most economically-unequal country in the world, the consequences of such a lack of action could be dire.



First Surety, Then Credit



As South Africa navigates this new political landscape, the long-term ramifications of the GNU’s policies are uncertain. President Ramaphosa&#8217;s commitment to economic reform is evident in his inauguration speech where he stated, &#8220;We affirm our resolute quest to build a growing and inclusive economy that offers opportunities and livelihoods to all people.&#8221; This commitment is crucial for addressing the country&#8217;s deep-rooted economic challenges, but it will require effective implementation and unwavering political will.



Roodt highlights the significant hurdles ahead, particularly the need for structural adjustments. &#8220;In order to fix the real economy, we need to make some structural adjustments,&#8221; Roodt emphasized. These adjustments, while necessary, are politically challenging and could lead to tensions within the coalition government. The ability of the GNU to navigate these challenges will be a key determinant of its success.



Delivering What The People Want



Ramaphosa&#8217;s vision for a more inclusive and just society also hinges on effective governance and anti-corruption measures. &#8220;The people have demanded an end to the theft of public funds and the capture of the state,&#8221; Ramaphosa asserted. Ensuring transparency and accountability in government operations will be essential for gaining public trust and fostering a conducive environment for economic growth.



As South Africa moves forward, the world watches closely. The GNU represents a bold step towards inclusive governance and economic reform, but the journey is fraught with challenges. The initial market optimism must be tempered with the reality of the structural issues that need to be addressed.



Roodt&#8217;s cautionary words serve as a reminder of the uphill battle that lies ahead. &#8220;This is not going to be an easy route. It is still a serious uphill battle ahead of us,&#8221; he warned. The coalition&#8217;s success will largely depend on its ability to navigate internal conflicts and make the tough structural adjustments needed to revive the economy.



Ramaphosa&#8217;s pledge to work with all sectors of society to address these challenges is a positive sign. &#8220;As the President of the Republic, I will work with everyone to reach out and work with every political party and sector that is willing to contribute to finding solutions to the challenges our country faces as we transition to a new decade of freedom,&#8221; he declared. In this pivotal moment, South Africa has the opportunity to forge a new path. The coming months and years will reveal whether the GNU can deliver on its promises and steer the nation towards sustainable economic growth and social justice. Only time will tell if this new era will truly bring about the transformative change that South Africans so desperately need.

Cyril Ramaphosa Starts New Term As President Of South Africa

Ramaphosa Sworn In For Second Time: Can South Africa’s GNU Deliver On Economic Reforms?

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has been cleared by the country&#8217;s reserve bank in the ongoing Phala Phala scandal, ruling that there was no contravention of exchange control regulations based on the available information. The South African Reserve Bank (SARB) revealed its findings in a short release posted on its website today.



The Phala Phala scandal, as it has become known, involved a police report filed by South Africa&#8217;s former Head of State Security against the President, alleging that an undetermined amount of undeclared foreign currency was stolen from Ramaphosa&#8217;s game farm in early 2020, and that the President failed in his duty to report this crime.



The origin and purpose of the money, as well as its conformation with currency exchange laws, have all been the subject of investigation and have placed immense strain on the career of the President, almost leading him to resign his post in late 2022.



The money was alleged by the President to have been proceeds from a game sale by his farm, later identified as $580,000 for a prize bull, paid by Sudanese businessman Hazim Mustafa.



After the initial theft, Ramaphosa is alleged to have briefed his head of security, Major General Wally Rhoode, on the incident. Rhoode then reportedly proceeded to conduct an unsanctioned investigation, tracing the suspects of the theft in both South Africa and Namibia, before allegedly paying them off.



SARB’s exculpation of Ramaphosa comes after an independent report compiled by a retired judge, as well as a parliamentary vote for Ramaphosa&#8217;s impeachment, which failed to pass late last year.



Acting Public Protector Kholeka Gcaleka also absolved Ramaphosa in her own report in June of this year, which was widely panned by opposition parties and is currently the subject of a court challenge.



However, of note in the Reserve Bank&#8217;s media statement is that no violation of exchange controls for the transaction were found due somewhat to a technicality – namely, that since the goods, in this case, the bull for sale, were not actually delivered, no transaction took place, and thus no finding regarding a contravention could be made.



&#8220;SARB has concluded that the transaction in question was subject to conditions precedent which were not fulfilled, and therefore there was no legal entitlement… to the foreign currency,” continued the press release.



While the report is yet another in a long line of investigations that have left President Ramaphosa in the clear, it will likely remain a strong topic of discourse as the country prepares for both the BRICS summit this week and a hotly-contested general election next year.

CHOGM London 2018 – Day 2

South African Reserve Bank Clears President Ramaphosa in Phala Phala Scandal

Africa’s secret weapon in the global energy race – green hydrogen. The continent has the potential to flip the script, transitioning from a fossil fuel consumer to a green energy titan.



The global energy transition has a burgeoning champion – green hydrogen. Often overshadowed by solar and wind, this renewable resource is increasingly crucial for a sustainable future.



The current global hydrogen market is over $130 billion. The World Bank predicts an annual growth of over 9%. Although the surge is likely niche until 2030, the growing demand for renewable energy means that green hydrogen could accelerate rapidly thereafter. Regions with low-cost markets and abundant renewable resources, like Africa, become attractive production markets.



The principle is straightforward. Use renewable energy sources to split water into hydrogen and oxygen. The result? A fuel source that releases only water upon consumption. The applications are limitless, from powering cars to heating homes.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-is-green-hydrogen">What is green hydrogen?</h3>



At its core, green hydrogen is simple. It’s hydrogen, the universe’s most abundant element, produced environmentally friendly. But how do we make it, and why does it matter?



Green hydrogen is generated via electrolysis, which splits water into hydrogen and oxygen using electricity. But for the hydrogen to be ‘green’, the electricity must come from renewable sources, like wind or solar power. The only byproduct is oxygen, a harmless gas we breathe every day.



In contrast, most hydrogen produced today is ‘grey’ or ‘blue’. It’s derived from fossil fuels, mainly natural gas, and the process releases significant amounts of carbon dioxide, a harmful greenhouse gas. Green hydrogen represents a shift away from this environmentally damaging status quo. However, green hydrogen faces challenges. Currently, it accounts for less than 1% of all hydrogen production. The main obstacle is the production cost, which is not yet competitive compared to grey or blue hydrogen. Most green hydrogen is used in energy-intensive industries like steel and chemical manufacturing.



The path to economic viability for green hydrogen lies in a combination of technological advancements, increased global development investment, and legislative commitments. These factors are expected to make green hydrogen a serious market contender in the coming decades.



Africa is fast becoming a frontrunner in the green hydrogen race.



<div class="wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile"><figure class="wp-block-media-text__media"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="682" src="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/GettyImages-1240573620.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-59195 size-full" srcset="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/GettyImages-1240573620.jpg 1024w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/GettyImages-1240573620-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/GettyImages-1240573620-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure><div class="wp-block-media-text__content">
<blockquote class="wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow">
“FROM SOLAR TO BIOGAS, FROM WIND TO BATTERY STORAGE, THESE INVESTMENTS ARE LEADING ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT GROWTH INDUSTRIES IN OUR COUNTRY.&#8221;
<cite>—South African President Cyril Ramaphosa</cite></blockquote>
</div></div>



Blessed with an abundance of sunlight and wind, Africa is ideally positioned to exploit green hydrogen’s potential. Groundbreaking projects are taking shape across the continent.



From the ambitious SA-H2 venture announced recently in South Africa to a green hydrogen initiative between Namibia and Botswana, these projects signal profound economic opportunities for job creation, growth, and sustainable development.



The Africa Green Hydrogen Alliance (AGHA), established in 2022, emphasizes Africa’s competitive edge due to low production costs. Masopha Moshoeshoe, Green Economy Specialist at the Investment and Infrastructure Office in the Presidency of South Africa, stated in a press release issued by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change on the launch of the alliance: “Green hydrogen has the potential to marry South Africa’s significant mineral endowment with its significant renewable revolutionize its energy sector. The SA-H2 fund, which aims to establish a hydrogen ecosystem in South Africa, is at the forefront of this exciting transition.



The $1-billion fund was announced in June as part of a joint effort between the Netherlands, Denmark and South Africa.



“From solar to biogas, from wind to battery storage, these investments are leading one of the most important growth industries in our country,” said South African President Cyril Ramaphosa at the announcement in Pretoria.



Blended finance is a key concept underpinning this project.



Andrew Johnstone, the CEO of Climate Fund Managers, explains to FORBES AFRICA that it refers to the strategic use of public



or philanthropic funds to mobilize private sector investment in sustainable development. In the context of SA-H2, this means bringing together private and public funding to make projects economically viable.



“They (the funds) act as a “spark” to ignite and mobilize belief, technology, and other forms of capital,” says Johnstone.



“The SA-H2 project should be seen as part of a larger effort across the region to leverage blended finance for sustainable energy development.”



The project is financed by a combination of different forms of capital, each with a different return requirement. This includes donor capital, commercial capital, and guarantees. By bringing these diverse sources of funding together, the project achieves a lower average cost of capital.



Johnstone explains, “Blended finance means in this context&#8230; to bring in capital in defined proportions in pursuit of a low average cost of capital.” Notably, this blended finance model also allows



for differential risk sharing. If a project underperforms, certain investors may not receive a return, thus sharing the risk in a structured and agreed-upon manner.



Once a project is up and running, it has an obligation to repay its funders, whether those are lenders through equity or energy loans, or others through dividends. Johnstone describes this repayment as a “waterfall”, with those who took the least risk and accepted a lower return being repaid first.



It’s important to highlight the transparency and regulation of these funds. They operate similarly to companies, are regulated by appropriate bodies, and are overseen by advisory boards and investment committees populated by investors or independent representatives. This governance structure ensures a high level of oversight and accountability.



Another key aspect of the SA-H2 project is the co-existence of different funds. The development side of the project is planned with public contracts and equity funds in mind. This co-existence helps redefine what “bankable” means in the context of these projects, potentially accelerating the implementation process.



These blended finance projects aim to create scalable, replicable, and improvable markets, serving as a catalyst for broader change in the energy sector.



South Africa’s SA-H2 initiative is not alone in its ambition.



Namibia is also making significant strides in the green hydrogen sector.



Noteworthy is a project in the Tsau Khaeb National Park, near Lüderitz, with the Namibian government proactively confirming a 24% equity stake in this $10 billion project, almost equivalent to the country’s gross domestic product.



This initiative, led by Hyphen Hydrogen Energy, is gaining momentum with several key partners signing a Memorandum of Understanding to collaborate on the necessary infrastructure for Namibia’s green hydrogen production ambitions.



“Namibia is perfectly positioned to produce low-cost green hydrogen and ammonia for domestic and international markets,” said Frans Kalenga, Technical Advisor to the Minister of Mines and Energy of Namibia on Namibia’s joining of the AGHA, in a press statement. “[It] provides a platform for us to collaborate with neighboring countries. AGHA’s report reaffirms the potential, and provides important recommendations on how we can work together to unlock the extraordinary potential.”



This potential is estimated to generate 15,000 jobs during the direct construction of the project, and a further 3,000 created permanently when the project is fully underway.



Namibia’s Vice President Nangolo Mbumba acknowledged the global transition toward green hydrogen, as well as the country’s abundant natural resources and landscape assisting in the suitability of its development as an industry.



“We are now approaching new fields of economy. Everybody is talking about green hydrogen. Three-four years ago, even the pronunciation was not known,” he said, speaking during the Forbes Under 30 Summit Africa in Botswana in April. “People need energy, and plenty of it,” he continued, acknowledging the international collaboration, local training and investment in education to develop the skills needed for green hydrogen initiatives.



“If we succeed, we will produce enough energy for the whole region of southern Africa,” added Mbumba.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Policy and profitability</h3>



A confluence of factors is propelling the growth of green hydrogen in Africa. The continent’s abundant natural resources, particularly sunlight and wind, provide an ideal setting for green hydrogen production. Escalating global demand for clean energy is creating opportunities for African nations to emerge as green hydrogen exporters. Moreover, policymakers are increasingly recognizing green hydrogen’s potential in achieving climate goals and fostering sustainable development.



The advent of green hydrogen presents a substantial opportunity for job creation across the African continent.



With Africa positioned as a potential global exporter of green hydrogen, the sector could become a significant contributor to the continent’s GDP. Moreover, the revenues generated from green hydrogen exports could be reinvested into local communities, improving infrastructure, education, and healthcare.



An analysis by McKinsey on behalf of AGHA identified a possible increase in GDP for member countries of between $66 billion and $126 billion by 2050, as well as up to 4.2 million new jobs as a result of green hydrogen investments.



The potential offers a pathway for nations to build a more resilient future, mitigating economic risks tied to unpredictable oil and gas prices. By developing a green hydrogen industry, nations could foster local technological innovation and enhance their manufacturing capabilities.



This prospect could shift Africa’s role in the global energy landscape, transitioning from a net importer of fossil fuels to a significant exporter of clean energy.



However, the promise of green hydrogen is not solely economic. It also offers a sustainable solution that addresses the pressing issues of economic development and climate change simultaneously.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Green Hydrogen is a tool for survival</h3>



As the world stands on the brink of a pivotal moment in its fight against climate change, green hydrogen emerges as a powerful ally. As a clean, carbon-free source of energy, green hydrogen can replace fossil fuels in various sectors, leading to a dramatic reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.



In Africa, where climate change threatens both people and ecosystems, investing in green hydrogen will not only enable nations to contribute to global emission reductions but also helps them build resilience against climate change impacts at home.



Even though Africa is responsible for only a fraction of global carbon emissions, the continent is actively taking steps to reduce its carbon footprint.



Green hydrogen can play a significant role in these efforts, replacing carbon-intensive fuels across the economy and leading to substantial emission reductions.



Moreover, exporting green hydrogen to other continents could further reduce global carbon emissions, enhancing Africa’s contribution to the global fight against climate change.



Renewable energy has been identified by many African countries as a key element of their climate change mitigation strategies. Incorporating green hydrogen into these strategies could hasten their progress towards achieving climate goals.



By offering a means to store and transport renewable energy, green hydrogen could solve one of the significant challenges of the energy transition: the intermittency of wind and solar power. This could facilitate a more extensive and efficient use of renewable energy, driving further emission reductions.



At the heart of the global energy transition, green hydrogen stands out as a beacon of hope. This renewable resource, making waves in the energy sector worldwide, has found a promising home in Africa. The continent, blessed with abundant wind and sunlight, is quickly gaining recognition as a potential global leader in green hydrogen production.



Pioneering projects across the continent signify Africa’s commitment to embracing green hydrogen.



Yet, the narrative of green hydrogen extends beyond economics. It is a tale of resilience and innovation in the face of climate change. Looking ahead, it’s clear that green hydrogen could reshape Africa’s energy landscape, transforming the continent from a net importer of fossil fuels to a major exporter of clean energy. Such a transformation could not only stimulate economic growth but also enhance Africa’s influence in global energy and climate policy discussions.



For Africa, the opportunity is now. It’s an opportunity that calls for further research, investment, and policy support, for the sake of the continent and the world.

Aerial view of hydrogen tank terminal at sea

The Rise Of Green Hydrogen In Africa

South Africa grapples with a diplomatic quandary as it hosts this year&#8217;s BRICS summit amidst legal and trade tensions involving Russia, the US, and the International Criminal Court.



South Africa appears to be considering the possibility of transferring its role as the host of this year&#8217;s BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) summit. This effort emerges from a need to avoid enforcing an arrest warrant against the Russian Federation&#8217;s President Vladimir Putin.



The upcoming summit, slated for August, has thrown into relief South Africa’s non-aligned status in the con-flict between Russia and Ukraine. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has been engaged in talks with China&#8217;s President Xi Jinping, showcasing the country&#8217;s active diplomacy in this delicate situation.



The historical relationship between South Africa and Russia is noteworthy in understanding the current sce-nario. The ruling party of South Africa, the African National Congress (ANC), has had long-standing ties with Russia due to Russia&#8217;s support of the ANC against the previous apartheid government. This shared history of resistance against Western hegemony, economic ties, and shared stances on global issues have deepened their bond over the years.



“I do think that there’s a certain puzzlement regarding South Africa’s position,” says Ivor Chipkin, analyst and Executive Director of the New South Institute, a policy think-tank based in Johannesburg, to FORBES AFRICA. “It places us in an awkward position economically… That said, Russia too is placing us in an awk-ward position by very boldly and very loudly proclaiming this relationship.”



Many South African signatories including the commander of the military’s ground forces as well as multiple senior government ministers have visited Russia in recent months.



As a signatory to the Rome Statute, South Africa is obligated to follow the rulings of the International Crimi-nal Court (ICC). The ICC has issued an arrest warrant for the Russian President, who is expected to attend the BRICS summit in Johannesburg. Should Putin attend, it is possible that opposition parties in South Af-rica might seek legal means to compel the South African government to arrest him, thereby further compli-cating the situation.



A failure to arrest President Putin would not only be a breach of the ICC mandate but could also strain the already tense relations between South Africa and the United States (US). Despite these complexities, the practicalities of enforcing such an arrest remain elusive, adding another layer to the diplomatic conundrum.



In response to this diplomatic quandary, the South African government has taken a flurry of diplomatic ac-tions in recent weeks. The ANC sent a delegation to China last week, reportedly to discuss a possible change of venue for the summit.



President Ramaphosa also hosted talks with President Xi Jinping. The discussions included an African-led peace proposal between Russia and Ukraine, as well as the upcoming BRICS summit.



The BRICS alliance is particularly beneficial to South Africa. It fosters further investment and economic co-operation and provides financing through the New Development Bank. However, maintaining good relations with the US is also a priority, given that the country benefits from tariff-free trade under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), valued at more than $2.58 billion in annual revenue.



<div class="wp-block-media-text alignwide is-stacked-on-mobile" style="grid-template-columns:64% auto"><figure class="wp-block-media-text__media"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/GettyImages-1182442467.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-58487 size-full" srcset="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/GettyImages-1182442467.jpg 1024w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/GettyImages-1182442467-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/GettyImages-1182442467-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure><div class="wp-block-media-text__content">
<blockquote class="wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow">
(From R) Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa wave at the press corps during the BRICS summit in Brasilia on Nov. 14, 2019. 
<cite>(Photo by Kyodo News via Getty Images)</cite></blockquote>
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However, this agreement is under pressure due to allegations of arms sales by South Africa to Russia after the secretive docking of the Russian Lady R vessel at a South African naval base last year. These allegations, if proven, could have serious domestic implications. For instance, should South Africa take any action that frustrates the US, it could suffer massive financial losses if AGOA is overturned, or if the Rand value drops significantly.



“South Africa’s position here is not clear to me at all,” continues Chipkin. “Other than a general suspicion of Western motives on the one hand… and then a historical relationship–not with Russia, but with the Soviet Union… It might well be that in order to placate some of the opposition to himself within the ANC, President Ramaphosa is making concessions on this front in order to stabilize and strengthen this position.”



South Africa’s Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, as well as its Finance Minister, have expressed concern over the potential risk to the AGOA agreement. They have noted the damage these allegations could inflict on the South African economy. &#8220;It strengthens the position of South African exporters in the US mar-ket and, of course, helps create more jobs locally,&#8221; said Minister Ebrahim Patel during a press briefing ahead of his budget vote last month.



Discussing the prospect of President Putin attending the upcoming BRICS conference, US Ambassador Reu-ben Brigety noted South Africa’s obligations during a media briefing last month, stating that the US did not understand why “the government of South Africa will not publicly and fulsomely commit to the obligations that it has voluntarily taken upon itself”.



Looking ahead, South Africa finds itself at a crossroads. Its commitment to the principles of international justice as embodied by the ICC, its long-standing relationship with Russia, its membership in BRICS, and its trade ties with the US are all at play, with the decisions to be made in the weeks ahead likely to have far-reaching implications for both the country’s global standing and economy.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping attend the BRICS Summit in Brasilia

South Africa At Crossroads As It Attempts To Navigate Hosting BRICS Summit Amid Global Tensions

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has tested positive for COVID-19 amidst a rising fourth wave of infections in the country.&nbsp;&nbsp;



South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has tested positive for COVID-19 and is receiving treatment for mild symptoms, according to a press release issued by the Presidency.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &#8220;The president is in good spirits but is being monitored by the South African Military Health Service of the South African National Defence Force&#8221;&nbsp;said Minister of the Presidency&nbsp;Mondli&nbsp;Gungubele. &nbsp; &nbsp; Ramaphosa reportedly began feeling unwell after having attended the state memorial service of former South African President FW de Klerk in Cape Town earlier in the weekend. Ramaphosa had also recently been on a tour of four West African states, where the delegation had been tested regularly, including on their return to South Africa.&nbsp; &nbsp; However, the presidency has encouraged all persons who had contact with Ramaphosa during the memorial service to watch for symptoms and get tested.&nbsp;



“Today’s proceedings in Cape Town were undertaken in compliance with health regulations pertaining to hand hygiene, the wearing of face masks and social distancing… President Ramaphosa says his own infection serves as a caution to all people in the country to be vaccinated and remain vigilant against exposure” said the presidency in a statement.    The President is now in isolation and has handed over his duties to Deputy President David Mabuza for the week – Ramaphosa’s positive results coming amidst a striking fourth wave of infections in South Africa and the recent discovery of the Omicron variant, with 18 035 new daily cases recorded as of Sunday, and an additional 19 840 retrospective cases which had not been previously counted in daily totals previously.* *An earlier version of this story erroneously reported the new daily total number of cases as 37 875, which included both the daily cases and retrospective cases together &#8211; the article has been corrected to reflect these separately.

TOPSHOT-SAFRICA-HEALTH-VACCINE-VIRUS

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa tests positive for COVID-19

Topline



South African president Cyril Ramaphosa addressed the nation this evening following the resurgence of the Covid-19 pandemic with the new variant, Omicron. In his address, Ramaphosa has called for countries who have imposed travel bans on southern Africa to immediately rethink their decision; the South African cabinet has moved to not place the country in a hard lockdown.



Key Facts



Ramaphosa called on countries that imposed travel restrictions on South Africa to lift the “unjustified, discriminatory” bans before further economic damage is caused.



“We are deeply disappointed by the decision of several countries to prohibit travel from a number of southern African countries following the identification of the Omicron variant. This is a clear and completely unjustified departure from the commitment that many of these countries made at the meeting of G20 countries in Rome last month,” he said, announcing that South Africa would stay on lockdown alert level 1.



The travel bans imposed by certain countries are in the wake of the B.1.1.529 variant, known as Omicron, first identified and reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) by South Africa on November 24. According to WHO, the epidemiological situation in South Africa has been characterized by three distinct peaks in reported cases, the latest of which was predominantly the Delta variant. In recent weeks, infections have increased steeply, coinciding with the detection of the Omicron variant. The first known confirmed Omicron infection was from a specimen collected on November 9.



Although the country has seen cases rise from 2% to 9 % in less than a week, Ramaphosa noted that the reason behind keeping South Africa at alert level one is the country does have “tools” to protect citizens from the variant. These tools include improving the vaccination process because “vaccines do work, vaccines are saving lives”.



“Vaccination is also vital to the return of our economy to full operation, to the resumption of travel and to the recovery of vulnerable sectors like tourism and hospitality,” Ramaphosa reiterated.



“In taking the decision not to impose further restrictions at this stage, we considered the fact that when we encountered previous waves of infection, vaccines were not widely available and far fewer people were vaccinated. That is no longer the case.”



This is why the president said he was dismayed by other countries across the globe taking the



“unjustified” choice to ban southern African countries from traveling here and vice versa.



“They pledged at that [G20] meeting to restart international travel in a safe and orderly manner, consistent with the work of relevant international organizations…” Ramaphosa said. “The G20 Rome Declaration noted the plight of the tourism sector in developing countries, and made a commitment to support a ‘rapid, resilient, inclusive and sustainable recovery of the tourism sector’.”



Countries that have already banned travel from South Africa&nbsp;



Multiple countries across the globe have imposed a travel bans from most countries situated in southern Africa. The restrictions applies to South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Lesotho, Eswatini, Mozambique and Malawi.&nbsp;



United Kingdom&nbsp;&nbsp;



The South Africa government stated in a press release on November 26 2021, that they noted the&nbsp;temporary&nbsp;ban&nbsp;on&nbsp;all flights from the Southern parts of Africa, including South Africa from entering the UK due to the new variant.&nbsp;&nbsp;



While they respected the decision, the Department of International Relations&nbsp;and Cooperation said they do feel the ban&nbsp;“seems&nbsp;to have been rushed as even the WHO&nbsp;is yet to advise on the next steps.”&nbsp;



Minister Naledi Pandor said &#8220;Our immediate concern is the damage that this decision will cause to both the tourism industries and businesses of both countries.&nbsp;



European Union&nbsp;



Also&nbsp;on Friday the European Union had reportedly also moved to&nbsp;ban flights from southern African countries.&nbsp;&nbsp;



According to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-11-26/eu-proposes-to-halt-air-travel-from-southern-africa-over-variant" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bloomberg,</a>&nbsp;The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control labeled the strain as a “variant of concern,” its most severe category.&nbsp;&nbsp;



Other countries that have reportedly imposed travel bans to countries in southern Africa:&nbsp;&nbsp;



<ul class="wp-block-list"><li>USA&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>Seychelles&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>Japan&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>France&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>Singapore&nbsp;</li><li>&nbsp;Israel&nbsp;</li><li>Germany&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>Canada&nbsp;</li><li>Australia&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>&nbsp;Philippines&nbsp;</li><li>Turkey&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>Sri Lanka&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>The&nbsp;United Arab Emirates&nbsp;</li><li>Thailand&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>Brazil&nbsp;</li><li>Gautemala&nbsp;</li></ul>



Crucial Quote  



Ramaphosa has called upon countries imposing travel bans on the southern African region to urgently reverse the imposition before any further damage is done to the economy and to the livelihoods of people. 



“These restrictions are unjustified and unfairly discriminate against our country and our Southern African sister countries. The prohibition of travel is not informed by science, nor will it be effective in preventing the spread of this variant. The only thing the prohibition on travel will do is to further damage the economies of the affected countries and undermine their ability to respond to, and recover from, the pandemic”&nbsp;

Federal Health Minister Spahn travels to South Africa

‘Prohibition Of Travel Not Informed By Science’, Says Ramaphosa Calling Out Countries Imposing Bans On Southern Africa

WORDS By Chanel Retief PHOTOS By Yeshiel Panchia



TOPLINE: After a tense week of public and violent unrest that left 117 dead across South Africa, reports of #CleanUpSA have come into effect since Thursday. South Africans have taken to social media to demonstrate how in some areas of the KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) and Gauteng provinces, which saw escalated lootings and lawlessness, volunteers are coming forward to help in rebuilding looted shops, recovering stolen goods and cleaning up the streets.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-in-photos">IN PHOTOS </h3>



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/15-July-2021-Alex-Cleanup-2-of-3-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-51871" srcset="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/15-July-2021-Alex-Cleanup-2-of-3-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/15-July-2021-Alex-Cleanup-2-of-3-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/15-July-2021-Alex-Cleanup-2-of-3-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/15-July-2021-Alex-Cleanup-2-of-3-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/15-July-2021-Alex-Cleanup-2-of-3-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure></div>



Volunteers and community members sweep the streets outside the looted and destroyed Pan Africa Mall in Alexandra, Johannesburg, 15 July 2021. The city was relatively quiet as community members and volunteers came out to sweep the streets and conduct repairs after days of unrest and looting. 



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/15-July-2021-Alex-Cleanup-3-of-3-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-51872" srcset="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/15-July-2021-Alex-Cleanup-3-of-3-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/15-July-2021-Alex-Cleanup-3-of-3-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/15-July-2021-Alex-Cleanup-3-of-3-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/15-July-2021-Alex-Cleanup-3-of-3-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/15-July-2021-Alex-Cleanup-3-of-3-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure></div>



Construction vehicles collect debris outside the looted and destroyed Pan Africa Mall in Alexandra, Johannesburg, 15 July 2021. The city was relatively quiet as community members and volunteers came out to sweep the streets and conduct repairs after days of unrest and looting.



Key Facts



● Since the arrest of the former president, Jacob Zuma, South Africa has been in flames. Following his incarceration for contempt of court, there have been multiple outbreaks of public violence in parts of KZN and Gauteng. Hundreds of shops and businesses have been looted and the government says it is acting to prevent food shortages.



● The layers of this unrest look at Zuma loyalists who want the former president to be free. However, Government has commented that there have been “opportunistic criminals”. But there have been those who have also observed this could be people grabbing the opportunity to put food on the table while getting governments’ attention on service delivery issues in South Africa.



● On Tuesday, Ramaphosa deployed the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) “in support of the operations” of the South African Police Service (SAPS). About 25,000 more troops were deployed Thursday which has been reported as <a href="https://apnews.com/article/africa-south-africa-59f7817632563dcf19d7e212de8046c9">“one of the largest deployments of soldiers since</a>” the end of apartheid.



● This has also led to racial tensions breaking out in some parts of South Africa but predominantly in KZN. According to the <a href="https://citizen.co.za/news/2568028/15-people-killed-in-phoenix-following-racially-charged-clashes-cele-confirms/">CITIZEN</a>, Police Minister Bheki Cele took to Phoenix, north Durban, where 15 people have been killed. This follows after several reports indicated that the attacks may have been racially motivated.



● Even though the unrest has slowed down, about 117 people have died and more than 2,000 have been arrested. The Ministry of Justice and Correctional Services on Wednesday in a statement



said that the alleged perpetrators of the unrests that “ravaged Gauteng since Monday” have appeared in various courts within the Gauteng Local Division.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-food-insecurity">Food Insecurity</h3>



South African President, Cyril Ramaphosa on Monday in his address warned that if the unrest continued, the situation could lead to food insecurity. According to a report released by<a href="https://www.spglobal.com/platts/en/market-insights/latest-news/agriculture/071621-unrest-in-south-africa-disrupts-agricultural-logistics-raises-food-security-concerns"> S&amp;P Global</a>, the unrests have had an impact on agriculture in South Africa.



“Unrest in South Africa&#8217;s eastern provinces is posing a threat to the country&#8217;s already precarious food security situation by disrupting agricultural trade and transportation, and damaging infrastructure and planted crops in the region,” the report stated.



&#8220;The biggest risk in the short-term is the free movement of goods, including food and agricultural produce on the roads, specifically to and from the Durban port,&#8221; said Wandile Sihlobo, Chief Economist of the Agricultural Business Chamber of South Africa.

15 July 2021 Alex Cleanup (1 of 3)

Rebuild And Repair: Community Members Unite To Clean Up South Africa After Days Of Devastation

President Cyril Ramaphosa deploys the SANDF and calls to restore order in South Africa after looting, vandalism and violence leave 11 dead and many injured.



Just a day after addressing the nation about strengthened Covid-19 lockdown restrictions until July 25, South African president Cyril Ramaphosa was back on TV screens again “with a heavy heart”, this time on the government’s response to the public violence and unrest currently ravaging parts of the country.



The vandalism, looting, riots, “political protests” and “anarchy” over the last three days have led to the army being called in to “protect property and safeguard social and economic infrastructure”, as the president stated in his address on Monday evening, July 12.



“As the Commander-in-Chief of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), I have today authorized the deployment of Defence Force personnel in support of the operations of the South African Police Service (SAPS).”



The protests, sparked by the arrest of South Africa’s former president Jacob Zuma for contempt of court last week, began in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), Zuma’s homestead where he is currently incarcerated at the Estcourt Correctional Centre. The civil unrest saw an estimated <a href="https://www.forbesafrica.com/current-affairs/2021/07/11/south-africa-protests-and-unrest-grow-over-zuma-arrest/">$7 million in damages with over 30 trucks set alight.</a> The protests continued in Gauteng, South Africa’s economic hub, in places such as Soweto, Jeppetown and Alexandra.



Social media has been agog with dramatic scenes of the state of affairs: videos of people running into shopping centers, malls, and/or shops being destroyed and/or vandalized. Many experts, politicians, and citizens, including the president, questioned if these protests were really under the banner of the #FreeZuma campaign.



“What we are witnessing now are opportunistic acts of criminality, with groups of people instigating chaos merely as a cover for looting and theft,” Ramaphosa said. “There is no grievance, nor any political cause, that can justify the violence and destruction that we have seen in parts of KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng.”



So far, over 11 people have been declared dead due to the unrest; 166 suspects have been arrested in KZN and 323 suspects arrested in Gauteng concerning these incidents.



“Many South Africans are at this hour counting the cost to their livelihoods and property, to their shops and businesses, to their safety and security. Many more South Africans are feeling anxious and afraid,” Ramaphosa added in his address.



“This means that our sick cannot get medication from pharmacies, food does not reach supermarket shelves, and health workers cannot go to work.”



The incidents of the last few days have disrupted the country’s ongoing Covid-19 vaccination drive that had been gathering momentum.



With the number of Covid-19 cases still surging, the cost of these protests on the economy may be dire.



<a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-07-12/rand-slumps-with-south-african-riots-spreading-amid-covid-surge">Bloomberg</a> reported that South Africa’s rand collapsed to “its weakest level” against the dollar due to the unrest. The rand declined as much as 2% and was 1.7% weaker at 14.4681 per dollar by today heading for its weakest level since April 30.



“The victims of the violence that is unfolding now are the workers, the truck drivers, the business owners, the parents and families of those who have lost their lives, who have done nothing wrong,” Ramaphosa added.



This is a developing story and FORBES AFRICA will provide updates as the story progresses.

Durban shopping centres and businesses looted over the weekend

Continued Riots And Anarchy In South Africa, The Military To Help Police

TOPLINE: It did feel like some form of “normalcy” would be on the horizon after overcoming the second wave in South Africa. However, with the new Delta variant of the coronavirus, South Africa will now move to adjusted lockdown alert Level 4 for the next 14 days. Calling this a “weighty matter”, and with grave seriousness, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced on Sunday evening that the country is now seeing a “massive resurgence of infections”.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-key-facts">Key Facts</h3>



<ul class="wp-block-list"><li>The president said: “As much as we had hoped this pandemic would pass quickly, we know the reality to be vastly different. There may be uncertainty over the trajectory of the pandemic, but there is one thing that is certain.”</li><li>It was further noted that the Africa Centre for Disease Control and Prevention reported that the third wave of Covid-19 is underway on the continent. African Union member states have also reported over 5.2 million cases and over 138,000 deaths from Covid-19. </li><li>This third wave, known as the Delta variant, was first detected in India at the end of March 2021. Currently, Delta can be found in 85 countries.</li><li>The Delta variant has now been detected in five of the nine South African provinces, namely the Eastern Cape, Free State, Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal and Western Cape.</li><li>The epicentre of this current fierce wave is Gauteng, which now accounts for more than 60% of new cases in the country.</li><li> Ramaphosa stated he was unsure of how long this wave would last as the first wave (July 2020) lasted 15 weeks and the second wave (January 2021) lasted nine weeks. “We don’t know how long this one will last, but indications are that it could last longer,” he said.</li></ul>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-crucial-changes-in-restrictions">Crucial Changes in Restrictions</h3>



<ul class="wp-block-list"><li> All gatherings – whether indoors or outdoors – are prohibited. These include religious, political, cultural and social gatherings.</li><li>A curfew will be in place from 9PM to 4AM, and all non-essential establishments will need to close by 8PM.</li><li>The sale of alcohol, both for on-site and off-site consumption, is also prohibited. This is a change from alcohol being allowed to be sold between 10AM and 6PM from Monday to Thursday.</li><li>Due to the rise of infections in Gauteng, which the president called “a burden”, travel in and out of the province for leisure purposes is prohibited. This does not include work, business or commercial travel, transit through airports or for the transport of goods.</li><li> Restaurants and other eateries will only be permitted to sell food for take-away or delivery.</li></ul>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-crucial-quote">Crucial Quote</h3>



“The tried and tested public health measures that have been in place remain our best chance at fighting this pandemic. They are not complicated, difficult or expensive. Whatever inconvenience they may be to us, they are certainly better than becoming seriously ill and needing hospitalization&#8230; the situation has gotten worse,” the president said.

Tightened Restrictions With Devastating Delta Variant In South Africa

TOPLINE A new partnership hopes to help South Africa make Covid-19 vaccines within a year using mRNA, the breakthrough technology behind the highly effective Pfizer and Moderna vaccines, as the country faces another deadly surge of cases.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-key-facts">KEY FACTS</h3>



The “technology transfer hub” hopes to “scale up” the production of an existing mRNA vaccine in South Africa with the help of biotech companies, mRNA experts and public health agencies including the World Health Organization (WHO) and the African CDC,&nbsp;<a href="https://protect-us.mimecast.com/s/4yTwCkR64qtZYAWyi21Z5s?domain=worldhealthorganization.cmail19.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">the WHO announced Monday</a>.



The partnership does not yet have an agreement with a vaccine manufacturer, though it has spoken with Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna, as well as smaller companies with vaccines in development, said WHO chief scientist Soumya Swaminathan.



With a “tried and tested” vaccine, the hub could be making vaccines “within 9 to 12 months,” said Swaminathan, but would take longer with a vaccine still in development.&nbsp;



South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said the hub will “make sure that it benefits the entire African continent,” but did not say how vaccines it makes would be shared with other countries.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-key-background">KEY BACKGROUND&nbsp;</h3>



South Africa and India have pushed the World Trade Organization to waive intellectual property rights for vaccine technology so that developing countries can produce Pfizer, Moderna and other vaccines instead of waiting for wealthy countries to sell or donate surplus vaccines. Countries including the U.S. and Britain, both home to vaccine manufacturers,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dw.com/en/rich-countries-block-india-south-africas-bid-to-ban-covid-vaccine-patents/a-56460175" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">have blocked the waiver</a>. President Joe Biden&nbsp;<a href="https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/biden-says-plans-back-wto-waiver-vaccines-2021-05-05/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">said in May</a>&nbsp;he supported a waiver, but it is unclear how wide of a waiver the U.S. supports or whether other wealthy countries will sign on. Instead, the U.S., U.K. and other leaders at the G7 summit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-57461640" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pledged in June</a>&nbsp;to donate 1 billion vaccines to poorer countries.&nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-big-number">BIG NUMBER</h3>



1% That’s how many South Africans have been vaccinated,&nbsp;<a href="https://news.yahoo.com/safrica-set-host-vaccine-tech-083957118.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">according to&nbsp;AFP</a>, while the country has more than one in three of cases in Africa and is “facing a third wave which seems to be more severe,” Ramaphosa said Monday.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-further-reading">FURTHER READING</h3>



<a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-06-21/south-africa-plans-covid-19-vaccine-technology-transfer-hub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">South Africa Plans Covid-19 Vaccine-Technology Transfer Hub</a>&nbsp;(Bloomberg)



<a href="https://news.yahoo.com/safrica-set-host-vaccine-tech-083957118.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SAfrica set to host vaccine tech transfer hub</a> (Yahoo News/AFP)



By Graison Dangor, Forbes Staff

South African President Ramaphosa visits the Mashatile family home to offer condolences

WHO: South Africa Could Make Covid Vaccine Within A Year

Topline: With declining Covid-19 hospital admissions and deaths, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa spoke on Sunday evening to announce the country’s move from Lockdown Alert Level 3 directly to Alert Level 1 and some crucial changes to public restrictions.



Key Facts



<ul class="wp-block-list"><li>Friday, March 5, will mark one year since the first case of coronavirus was reported in South Africa. This comes just as the country has hit over 1.5 million cases and nearly 50, 000 people have died from the fatal virus.&nbsp;</li><li>“So much has changed in our country and our lives. But the spirit of our people has not changed. You have endured the greatest hardships, but you have remained resolute, united, and hopeful,” Ramaphosa said on Sunday evening.</li><li>The president further noted the “dramatic decline” in infection rates recently, thus the decision of the government to reduce the lockdown level to one.&nbsp;</li><li>Moreover, admissions to hospital and deaths “have fallen significantly and continue to decline steadily”. In the week that has just passed, the country recorded just under 10,000 new infections. Ramaphosa believes that the decline is due to a combination of public health measures, changes in social behavior and accumulating immunity in those who became infected in the communities.</li></ul>



Crucial Changes In Restrictions



<ul class="wp-block-list"><li>The hours of the curfew will now be from midnight until 4AM.</li><li>Gatherings will be permitted, subject to limitations on size. These include religious, social, political, and cultural gatherings. However, the maximum number of people allowed at any gathering is 100 people indoors and 250 outdoors. Furthermore, night vigils and nightclubs are still not permitted.&nbsp;</li><li>The sale of alcohol is now allowed as normal however not during the hours of curfew.&nbsp;</li><li>The 33 land border posts that have been closed throughout this period will remain closed, while the other 20 will remain open. Only five airports, OR Tambo, Cape Town, King Shaka, Kruger Mpumalanga, and Lanseria airports, will be open for international travel.&nbsp;</li></ul>



Crucial Quote



“This pandemic has taken much from us, but it has not taken our strength, our courage, or our sense of solidarity as a people,” Ramaphosa said. “It has not dampened our spirit or weakened our resolve. Our uniquely South African spirit has allowed us to remain steadfast in the face of an unprecedented threat, and which will continue to inspire us as we chart a path to recovery.”

SAFRICA-HEALTH-VIRUS

A Year With The Virus, South Africa Moves From Alert Level 3 to 1

Topline: In yet another “family meeting”, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa announced on Monday evening that the country would stay on alert level 3. In addition to regulations put in place, the South African government has chosen to close all 20 land ports of entry. 



Key Facts.&nbsp;



<ul class="wp-block-list"><li>Land ports of entry will be closed until February, 15 for general entry and departure. These will include the six busiest border posts; Beitbridge, Lebombo, Maseru Bridge, Oshoek, Ficksburg, and Kopfontein.</li><li>This decision has been made as a way to reduce congestion and the high risk of transmission as South Africa has reported nearly 190, 000 Covid-19 cases since the start of 2021. The country has also recorded more than 4,600 Covid-related deaths so far this year.</li><li><a href="https://www.forbesafrica.com/current-affairs/2020/12/28/south-africa-in-grave-danger-ramaphosa-implores-adherence-to-safety-protocols-as-country-moves-again-to-lockdown-level-3/">Alcohol sales</a> are still not permitted, however, curfew times have changed slightly from 9 pm to 6 am to 9 pm to 5 am. </li></ul>



The Government Vaccine Strategy&nbsp;



Part of South Africa’s strategy is to identify priority groups that need to be vaccinated as the country receives them throughout the year. This will be done in phases.&nbsp;



<ul class="wp-block-list"><li>Phase 1- the first batch of vaccines will be prioritized around 1.2 million front line health workers.</li><li>Phase 2- When more vaccines arrive, South Africa will prioritize essential workers such as teachers, police, municipal workers, and other frontline personnel. People in institutions like old age homes, shelters, and prisons, people over 60 years of age, and adults with co-morbidities will also be prioritized in this phase. The country plans to reach 16 million people at this stage.&nbsp;</li><li>Phase 3&#8211; With increased manufacturer supplies, the country will then vaccinate the remaining adult population of approximately 22.5 million people.</li></ul>



Crucial Quote&nbsp;



“But, if we are to realize our aspirations for the year, we must unite to overcome the grave, persistent, and deepening coronavirus pandemic. The pandemic in our country is now at its most devastating,” Ramaphosa said during the live broadcast. “The number of new infections, hospital admissions, and deaths is higher now than it has ever been since the first case was recorded in our country in March 2020.”

South Africa To Close All Land Borders Until Mid-Feb

Topline: The prevailing mood was of anxiety and fear of another hard lockdown when the South African President, Cyril Ramaphosa, announced that he would be addressing the nation on Wednesday evening. However, his address was more of an appeal to citizens to not “relax” just yet, as the virus has not yet been beaten. The president also made some amendments to the current Alert Level One of the lockdown. &nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Key Facts&nbsp;</h3>



<ul class="wp-block-list"><li>To prevent a resurgence of the Covid-19 virus, Ramaphosa announced that the government would be extending the National State of Disaster by another month to December 15. This is to ensure that all necessary prevention measures remain in place.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>Ramaphosa announced that the country would once again be opening up international travel to all countries. This, after international travel was restricted to and from countries with high infection rates and limited to only South Africa’s big main airports: King Shaka, OR Tambo, and Cape Town International Airport.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>In addition, South Africa will also be&nbsp;restoring the normal trading hours for the sale of alcohol at retail outlets as opposed to the strict rules that only allowed South Africans to buy alcohol&nbsp;from Monday to Thursday, between 9AM and 5PM. &nbsp;</li><li>The President has further called on South Africans to embark on five days of mourning from November 25 to 29 to remember the victims of both Covid-19 and gender-based violence. The national flag will fly at half-mast from 6AM to 6PM (SAST); he also requested people to wear black armbands as a&nbsp;sign of mourning.&nbsp;&nbsp; </li></ul>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Crucial Numbers&nbsp;</h3>



<ul class="wp-block-list"><li>As chairperson of the African Union, Ramaphosa established the Covid-19 African Vaccine Acquisition Task Team. He said it is estimated that Africa will need around $12 billion and 750 million doses of an effective vaccine.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>Ramaphosa also noted the preliminary agreement between South Africa’s biggest pharmaceutical manufacturer, Aspen Pharmacare, and US drugmaker Johnson &amp; Johnson (J&amp;J). The two companies announced on November 2 that they would be producing the candidate Covid-19 vaccine in&nbsp;Port Elizabeth, South Africa.&nbsp;</li><li>“Aspen has the capacity to manufacture 300 million doses of the candidate vaccine at its Nelson Mandela Bay plant. This is a life-saving medical product that will be needed across the world, which will be manufactured by South African workers,” Ramaphosa said.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</li></ul>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Crucial Quote &nbsp;</h3>



Ramaphosa has once again appealed to South Africans to not stop adhering to preventative measures just because the country is at Alert Level One. He further stated that as the country moves into a hot festive season, more people will want to see their family and friends but people should not get complacent.   “Wearing a mask every time we leave home is far, far better than a second wave. It is also far better than a return to lockdown and better than having to shut down the economy. A number of outbreaks have been linked to indoor gatherings where there is poor ventilation and no social distancing,” Ramaphosa said.  



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Further Reading</h3>



<a href="https://www.forbesafrica.com/current-affairs/2020/11/10/not-envisaging-lockdown-level-5-south-africas-health-minister/" data-type="URL" data-id="https://www.forbesafrica.com/current-affairs/2020/11/10/not-envisaging-lockdown-level-5-south-africas-health-minister/">‘Not Envisaging Lockdown Level 5’: South Africa’s Health Minister</a> (FORBES AFRICA)

Tag: President Cyril Ramaphosa

FORBES AFRICA SOCIAL MEDIA