The True Size of Countries

 

Inequality in South Africa? Which Province fares best?

 Well, you decide.

https://www.westerncape.gov.za/provincial-treasury/sites/provincial-treasury.westerncape.gov.za/files/atoms/files/Western%20Cape%20Overview%20of%20Provincial%20Revenue%20and%20Expenditure%202023.pdf

Trust the Data - Vote accordingly South Africa

 

South Africa's Geopolitical Challenges

 South Africa's geopolitical concerns are deeply intertwined with its unique geography. The economic epicenter in Gauteng faces challenges due to the absence of navigable rivers, relying instead on an extensive road network for transportation. Stability in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) is vital, given its pivotal ports essential for international trade.

Managing secessionist sentiments, notably in the Western Cape, is crucial for national unity. Moreover, South Africa's leadership within the Southern African Development Community (SADC) requires delicate diplomacy to balance regional dynamics. Additionally, navigating China's growing influence in Africa presents both opportunities and challenges, shaping South Africa's foreign policy decisions. These geopolitical factors underscore the intricate balance South Africa must maintain between domestic stability, regional leadership aspirations, and global partnerships, emphasizing the complexity of its geopolitical landscape.

The African Union

• AU grapples with conflicts, hampering peace efforts.
• Economic development hindered by corruption, infrastructure gaps.
• Global influence limited by powerful actors.
• Regional cooperation stymied by divergent interests.
• Overcoming challenges needs concerted efforts for AU's vision of a united Africa.

The African Union (AU) grapples with a myriad of geopolitical challenges that test its efficacy and relevance in the global arena. Foremost among these challenges is the persistence of conflicts and instability across the continent. From the enduring crises in regions like the Horn of Africa and the Sahel to the emergence of new conflicts in places like the Tigray region of Ethiopia, the AU faces an uphill battle in maintaining peace and security. Limited resources, differing national interests, and complex ethnic and political dynamics often impede effective conflict resolution efforts, highlighting the AU's struggles in asserting its authority and influence.

Economic development remains a daunting task for the AU as well. Despite Africa's vast potential and abundant natural resources, many countries continue to grapple with poverty, inequality, and underdevelopment. Rampant corruption, inadequate infrastructure, and economic dependencies on external actors further exacerbate these challenges. While initiatives like Agenda 2063 outline ambitious plans for economic transformation, implementation often falls short due to governance failures, bureaucratic inefficiencies, and a lack of financial resources.

On the global stage, the AU's relevance is frequently overshadowed by more powerful international actors. Africa's voice in global affairs is often marginalized, and its interests are sometimes disregarded in favor of those of major powers. Limited diplomatic leverage, institutional weaknesses, and historical legacies of colonialism constrain the AU's ability to shape international agendas and policies effectively.

Regionally, while the AU strives to promote cooperation and integration, it contends with divergent national interests and competing priorities among its member states. Disputes over borders, resources, and governance frequently undermine efforts at regional unity and solidarity. Initiatives like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) face numerous implementation challenges, reflecting broader difficulties in achieving meaningful integration and cooperation among African nations.

In conclusion, while the AU aspires to be a force for positive change in Africa and beyond, its path is fraught with daunting geopolitical realities. From conflict resolution to economic development and global diplomacy, the AU faces formidable obstacles that require pragmatic and concerted efforts from both its member states and the international community. Success in overcoming these challenges will determine the AU's ability to fulfill its mandate and realize its vision for a peaceful, prosperous, and united Africa.

Don't put me in a box! Voting May 29 - how we stand

 Just under two months to go before South Africans go to the polls (or for 50% of registered voters, sleep in). So, where are the parties standing?

The Social Research Foundation has been kind enough to collate all the polling data. 

https://srfreports.co.za/reports/medium-term-election-polling-trends-for-south-africa

So what's going on here? It seems the DA's inability to poll higher than 23-25% continues to afflict the party. They are unable to extend support - there are multiple reasons for this - race, identity, image etc Bottomline, we'll need to 'wait and see' for the results. But if I were them, I'd be worried. The ANC has done everything it can do to shoot itself in the foot. Has the DA done everything it can to convince black, particularly rural, voters, to its side. I don't think so.

The ANC's dip is almost guaranteed - in the polls. Again, time will tell; however, the good money is on them going below 50% which would be massive in the political history of SA which has always had one dominant administration. The emergence of MK in KZN - with its massive voter base - will be a major headache for the party which could see the ANC slide from 48-49% down to 45-46%. 

The EFF, the communist white hating populists we've all come to love and hate, continue to occupy the weird 10-15% range. They won't govern anywhere really. They may be kingmakers though and that is what Sultan Malema is relying on. So, to their horde of Twitter Trolls, no, 50+ is not happening.

The IFP. KZN for you fellas. Not much to be said there. I've not seen an IFP poster outside of KZN for years.

For all the minnows, and yes that is what they are, they will try and grab a seat or two here and there. ActionSA may be one that does more than that nationally while it and a handful of others could be key in coalition governments in Gauteng.

KZN will be a hot mess and the province that experienced the worst violence in 2021 since the early 1990s mini-civil war will likely experience more hurt and pain as MK runs amok and coalitions come and go. 

The Western Cape. Sigh. How has the DA managed not to grow here? Stunning. But I'll blame the voters, freshly arrived from the EC for this one. They don't see how well the WC is doing. The DA's messaging also doesn't seem to resonate sufficiently. They'll struggle to 51% and keep it going. If they go below, the FF+ will be there to support them. 

Overall, the pre-election period should be peaceful, except in KZN. The post-election scene will be fraught with coalition chaos which could impact coalitions in municipal and metro areas. But again, peaceful, except in KZN where I am expecting more violence post-election as new realities start to take shape.

My predictions:

National (400 seats)

ANC 188 (47%)
DA 92 (23%)
EFF 56 (14%)
IFP 15 (3.5%)
FF+ 12 (3%)
ActionSA 6 (1.5%)

Minnows: 32 (8%) *

*The ANC will likely tap this pool to form a national coalition

I HATE INFLATION

 South Africa and much of the world continue to face a significant inflation problem. In SA, the problem is all the more pressing for the countless poor (50% of the population live in poverty, just under that are unemployed) where food inflation continues to track above the national inflation figure. While fuel/transport inflation has stabilized since this time last year the high prices continue to deal a double whammy to consumers. SA relies on its road network to move goods around. Higher fuel costs = higher food ... actually higher everything ... costs. Provinces also differ. The Western Cape's inflation rate continues to rise above the national figure. The government continues to respond with its old interest rate tool. It isn't an encouraging or useful tool in the SA context. Trying to stifle demand where little exists at scale is odd. With an election around the corner, the cost of everything skyrocketing will be top of mind for many voters. The rich will holiday one less time this year. The middle class will eat out once instead of twice a month. The poor won't eat every third day. The election and its aftermath will be a very, very interesting thing to watch.