On Balance with Dr. Botha as he shares his monthly thoughts on what’s driving the South Africa’s economy. Geopolitical tensions and economic shifts are impacting markets worldwide, and South Africa is no exception. Here’s what you need to know to stay informed and make smart decisions.

South Africa's foreign policy approach continues to disappoint, as demonstrated by the recent debacle surrounding a joint naval operation by members of the Brics+ group, which included Iran. This country is regarded as the world’s foremost sponsor of terrorism and is regularly condemned by the United Nations and Western democracies for gross human rights violations.

In December, the Inclusive Society Institute published a research report on the damage inflicted on the South African economy by excessively restrictive monetary policy, which led to record-high interest rates and subsequent GDP growth barely above zero.

The extravagant media publicity surrounding South Africa’s hosting of the 2025 G20 Summit in Johannesburg has masked the reality of a country in desperate need to grow its economy at rates commensurate with lowering an alarmingly high unemployment rate.