South Africa

Navigating Democracy Amid Regional Power Shifts and Oversight

Posted on by Newsroom Operations
Navigating Democracy Amid Regional Power Shifts and Oversight

In a moment when democratic institutions across Africa face mounting pressures from political instability, security crises and executive overreach, recent moves to strengthen parliamentary oversight offer a means to renew confidence, safeguard accountability and recalibrate the balance of power.   Renewed Oversight in Practice: South Africa Leads by Example On 3 December 2025, the National Assembly of South Africa adopted amended parliamentary rules to establish a dedicated Committee on the Presidency — a formal body…

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Shell to Lead Offshore Drilling in South Africa’s Block 2C

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Shell to Lead Offshore Drilling in South Africa’s Block 2C

Pretoria, December 8, 2025 – South Africa’s legacy national oil company, PetroSA, has approved a landmark agreement granting Shell Offshore a 60 percent working interest in Block 2C, located off the country’s west coast in the promising Orange Basin. The deal marks a major shift in offshore exploration strategy and significantly expands Shell’s footprint in one of Africa’s hottest potential hydrocarbon regions. Under the farmin arrangement, Shell will pay a USD 25 million signing bonus…

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South African Consumer Confidence Nears 2025 Peaks This Holiday Season

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South African Consumer Confidence Nears 2025 Peaks This Holiday Season

Consumer confidence in South Africa has climbed to its highest level in 2025, as households and businesses prepare for the holiday season amid signs of easing economic pressure, according to a quarterly survey released Tuesday by First National Bank (FNB) and conducted by the Bureau for Economic Research (BER). The FNB / BER Consumer Confidence Index improved to –9 in the fourth quarter, up from –13 in the previous quarter, marking the strongest reading of…

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Offshore Oil Gains Momentum in Southern Africa

Posted on by Newsroom Operations
Offshore Oil Gains Momentum in Southern Africa

Kimberley, South Africa – In a significant development for Southern Africa’s energy landscape, major offshore oil projects are advancing even as the continent grapples with ambitious climate and energy transition targets. Recent approvals for international oil firms to expand offshore operations highlight the persistent tension between economic growth imperatives and sustainable development objectives. South Africa’s national oil company, PetroSA, recently approved Shell as the majority partner in Block 2C, off the country’s west coast. The…

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