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South Africa's government under Ramaphosa is pursuing assertive foreign policy and domestic security deployments while managing coalition tensions and economic headwinds. The ANC navigates internal and opposition pressure from the EFF and DA, as society contends with acute resource crises.
February 2026
Week of Feb 23, compared to 12-week average
The economy shows mixed signals with corporate expansion and trade gains offset by immediate consumer pain and job losses. MTN's major acquisition of IHS Towers and China's new zero-tariff deal provide growth vectors, but a fuel price hike and Nestlé layoffs hit households. Northam Platinum's profit surge and Vukile's foreign investment indicate sectoral strength.
Foreign policy is highly active, with South Africa expelling Israel's top diplomat and engaging directly with Putin over citizens in the Ukraine war. Domestically, coalition governance is strained as the EFF opens a case against O'Sullivan after a Parliament walkout and the ANC faces tension in Ekurhuleni. The DA is in transition as John Steenhuisen withdraws from its leadership race.
Security policy is defined by a major domestic military deployment against gang violence and the fallout from citizens recruited into the Russia-Ukraine war. President Ramaphosa ordered the SANDF onto the streets of major economic hubs, while the government is repatriating nationals and confirming deaths from the foreign conflict. High-profile violent incidents, including a Cape Town school shooting and a mosque killing, underscore persistent crime.
Society is gripped by a severe and politically charged water crisis, with Cape Town raising drought fears and Johannesburg's Premier facing backlash over water shortages. The government is also managing a foot-and-mouth disease outbreak, importing record vaccines and establishing a task team. These resource pressures dominate over other social events.