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The Report South Africa will be the most comprehensive economic, political and business review of South Africa ever compiled. It will explain in-depth the domestic and foreign political scene, macroeconomic policy and sectoral developments and include unique statistical forecasting. The 200 page research will be over 100 000 words in length, supported by charts, graphs and key economic data to highlight trends allowing readers a unique insight into the country. Written by team of international analysts based on the ground for six months, and the result of over 300 public and private sector interviews, The Report South Africa will simply be the most extensive independent, unbiased and accurate intelligence available.

POLITICS

The survey begins with an in-depth look at the current state of South African politics, focusing specifically on the reforms being put in place by the African National Congress (ANC) in its bid to improve overall living conditions for the country’s people. The chapter takes a close look at the tensions that have arisen between the three members of the tripartite ruling alliance, namely the Congress of South African Trade Unions, the South African Communist Party and the ANC. Included are interviews with Thabo Mbeki, President of the Republic of South Africa, former President Frederik Willem de Klerk, and the mayor of Cape Town, Helen Zille, as well as a look at Jacob Zuma, one of the most controversial figures in South African politics.

ECONOMICS

South Africa is experiencing an economic boom and hopes to build on its new fiscal position in order to improve infrastructure to help further realise the economy’s latent potential. The section also looks at several constraints on South Africa’s economic growth and the measures being taken to tackle these challenges. Also included in this broad section are viewpoint articles from Trevor Manuel, Minister of Finance, and Alec Erwin, Minister of Public Enterprises, and interviews with Peter Sutherland, former head of GATT and the WTO, and Vivek Arora, former IMF representative in South Africa.

BANKING

The country’s banking sector is undergoing positive changes that are arising from massive foreign investment, new regulations and an overall shift in customer demographics resulting from the transformation of South African society. The chapter looks at some of the challenges facing the industry and how these challenges are being met, with an analysis of how deals in the sector have prompted an increase in foreign investment. Also in this chapter, OBG talks with Jacko Maree, CEO of Standard Bank, and Sir Richard Branson, Chairman of the Virgin Group, with a viewpoint contribution from Tito Mboweni, Governor of the South African Reserve Bank.

CAPITAL MARKETS

This section offers a brief history of the Johannesburg Securities Exchange and highlights recent changes, which, combined with economic growth, a stable currency and low inflation has offered many opportunities to foreign and domestic investors. Interviews with Russel Loubscher, CEO of the Johannesburg Securities Exchange, and Steve Booysen, CEO of Absa are included in the chapter. A viewpoint article from Zdenek Turek, CEO of Citigroup Sub-Saharan Africa and Country Officer, South Africa is also presented.

INSURANCE

The insurance industry is currently exerting efforts to restructure itself. This chapter discusses the current structure, policy and compliance in its bid to expand the market to previously uninsured or under insured areas of South African society, and to become a world-class sector.

TRANSPORT

In order to accommodate South Africa’s fast-growing economy, the country’s transport systems are being overhauled. The discussion includes the pressing need and challenges associated with the development of the road, rail, air and ocean transport infrastructure. Also in this section, OBG talks with Maria Ramos, CEO of Transnet.

ENERGY

Despite having abundant coal reserves as well as exploitable quantities of offshore oil and natural gas, South Africa’s energy sector suffers from weakness in its infrastructural and generation capacity. This overview looks at how companies in the country have dealt with some of the shortcomings of the sector and even found opportunities for expansion, with an analysis of the overall need for upgrading. Also in this chapter, Pat Davies, CEO of Sasol offers a viewpoint on environmentally friendly fuel, and OBG talks with Thulani Gcabashe, CEO of Eskom.

TOURISM

South Africa’s tourism industry is currently the country’s fourth largest foreign exchange earner. The industry’s potential has prompted the government to make greater efforts towards promoting the country, its cultural heritage and rich diversity, ranging from nature and wildlife to unspoiled beaches and fine accommodations. In light of the upcoming 2010 World Cup, there is a great deal of pressure on the government to iron out existing shortcomings in the sector. Interviews with Marthinus van Schalkwyk, Minister of Tourism, and Danny Jordaan, CEO of the South African World Cup committee are also included.

CONSTRUCTION & REAL ESTATE

The emergence of a black middle class, buoyant and sustained macroeconomic performance, and low interest rates, have led to strong growth in the construction and real estate sectors. The real estate overview also looks at how the industry’s focus on the local market, and the increase in cash, has caused a dramatic rise in prices. Also in this chapter, Estienne K de Klerk, Executive at Investec Property Group, offers a viewpoint on construction and property.

TELECOMS & IT

In this chapter, OBG discusses the changes that are in the pipeline for South Africa’s telecommunications network in light of new technology and increased competition. The IT overview explains how preparation for the 2010 FIFA World Cup could lead to the overall modernisation of the country’s IT structure, plus an article on how the government is seeking to address the divisions in IT sector training caused by years of apartheid. Judy Malan, Partner at Mckinsey South Africa, provides a viewpoint on IT developments and economic growth, while Dr Neville Comins, CEO of Hub Management Co, discusses training, IT and competitiveness.

INDUSTRY

The government and the private sector are looking at ways of cooperating to improve South African industry and make it more globally competitive, without the aid of an undervalued currency. The section also presents the emergence of a niche industry of boat building, as well as the problems being faced by the country’s clothing and textile industries. An analysis discusses South Africa’s car manufacturing sector, developments in the defence industry and the phenomenal growth of the country’s wine production. The chapter includes an interview with Justin Barnes, Managing Director of Benchmark and Manufacturing Analysts.

MINING

With the world’s commodity prices for gold, coal and platinum at record highs, South Africa’s mining industry is thriving. Ironically, rising gold prices have led to the Rand’s appreciation, making it more expensive to mine the precious metal. Also in this chapter, OBG looks at how local mining firms are looking abroad to diversify operations and gain easier access to capital. OBG interviews Stephen Shepherd, JP Morgan Precious Metals Analyst.

RETAIL

South Africa’s emerging black middle class is the propelling the industry’s growth. Also, this section includes a look at how industrial space is being redeveloped into retail space and turning profits for owners.

HEALTH & EDUCATION

The healthcare system in South Africa consists of both a large public sector and a smaller, but fast-growing private sector. The government is looking at ways to promote public-private sector cooperation in order to make healthcare more accessible to everyone and, at the same time raise the standards of the services provided. Also in this section, an analysis of the AIDS pandemic in South Africa, is provided by Alan Whiteside, director of HIV/AIDS Research Division at University of Kwa Zulu Natal in a viewpoint article. The education overview looks at the measures being taken by the government to head off a potential skills crisis in the country, which could put future national economic growth and productivity at the risk of stagnation.

MEDIA & ADVERTISING

Refinements in technology and mobility have forced South Africa’s media enterprises to adapt quickly, thereby creating a cutting-edge sector as developments in IT and telecoms continue to evolve. The chapter also takes a look at recent developments in the country’s film industry. The advertising overview focuses on the increase in advertising spending by South African companies, in response to the country’s strong economic situation.

HISTORY

During the late 1960s through to the early 1990s, increased educational and employment opportunities gave rise to a new black middle class, and paved the way for the political transformation of the country.

THE BUSINESS GUIDE: ACCOUNTANCY

OBG’s accountancy partner, SizweNtsaluba VSP, provides an overview of the South African income tax system, as well as an explanation of black economic empowerment (BEE) transactions and the principles outlined in AC 503, accounting for BEE transactions. The section is rounded off with an OBG interview with Victor Sekese, CEO of SizweNtsaluba VSP.

THE BUSINESS GUIDE: LAW

OBG’s legal partner in South Africa, Brink Cohen La Roux Attorneys, offers an executive overview of the constitutional, legal, and political frameworks of the country, as well as other key factors relevant for investors. Also provided is a review of the fundamentals regarding investment in South Africa, and an interview with Johan Brink, director of Brink Cohen Le Roux Attorneys.

THE GUIDE

An article on Kruger National Park, one of the world’s leading nature reserves, kicks off this chapter. This is followed by a list of South Africa’s top hotels and park accommodations. The section on sights and sounds focuses on an exciting travel activities, such as swimming with great white sharks, followed by a restaurant guide. The chapter includes a profile on a group of intrepid photographers, famously known as the Bang-Bang Club, who were responsible for bringing the troubles faced by South Africa in the early 1990s to the attention of the world.

LISTINGS

OBG offers a comprehensive directory of government offices, chambers of commerce, foreign missions, hospitals and pharmacies, emergency numbers, directory assistance, consultancy and accountancy firms, media outlets, theatres, museums, travel services, taxi services, airlines, car hire, leisure activities and useful web links.

FACTS FOR THE VISITOR

Some useful tips for business travellers covering language, currency, health, media, transport, business hours, tipping, visas, security and communications are included in Emerging South Africa 2006.

SECTORS COVERED

Politics	Insurance	Tourism
Macroeconomics	Energy	Agriculture
Banking	Real Estate	Media
Capital Markets	Infrastructure	Advertising
Industry	IT	Accountancy
Law	Telecoms	Interviews

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