Security Brief for South Africa prepared on: Jul 12, 2021 8:49:21 PM UTC

Security Assessment Rating

Security Rating for South Africa: 3 - Moderate

Sub-Ratings 1 2 3 4 5 Crime 4 Overall Rating: Security Services 3 3 Civil Unrest 4 Terrorism 3 Moderate Kidnapping 3 Geopolitical 3

Security Overview : Overview of South Africa

Levels of criminal activity in South Africa are among the highest on the continent, and violent crime including robbery, carjacking, sexual assault and murder affects even more affluent neighborhoods of the country's main urban centers. Although killings and gang activity tends to be concentrated in the economically deprived suburbs of the country's main cities, the use of firearms during robberies is ubiquitous and even incidents of petty theft can quickly escalate to violence.

Civil and labor unrest occurs with some frequency in urban areas and often escalates into violence, causing major disruption to travel and local services. In recent years, student-related unrest has also increased in frequency and intensity.

Terrorist groups are known to use South Africa for logistics, recruitment and financing, although they have not carried out attacks in the country in recent times.

Related Advice: Personal security while walking. Related Advice: Avoiding and surviving kidnapping situations. Related Advice: General guidelines to protect yourself against terrorism.

Security Alerts & Advisories Warning Alerts

Civil Unrest: Authorities deploy military to Gauteng and Kwa-Zulu Natal provinces, South Africa, July 12 amid ongoing protests and looting. Event: Protests Location(s): KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng provinces (map) Time Frame: Indefinite Impact: Heightened security, ground travel delays, acts of public violence; possible clashes

Summary Authorities are deploying members of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) to areas of Gauteng and Kwa-Zulu Natal (KZN) provinces, July 12, amidst ongoing protests ostensibly in support of incarcerated former president Jacob Zuma. Authorities will confirm the duration of the deployment upon assessments made in the affected areas; however, will likely remain through at least July 15.

Hundreds of people have been arrested amid looting of stores, malls, and warehouses. In KZN Province, dozens of rioters were arrested while attempting to break in and loot the Massmart Makro Store and Warehouse and LG warehouse in Cornubia, Umhlanga early 12 July. In addition, rioting protesters set fire to the Brookside Mall in Pietermaritzburg early 12 July. Elsewhere, protesters have looted malls and shops in Empangeni, Marianhill and other areas in central Pinetown, July 12. In Gauteng Province, several protesters have gathered at the Vaal Mall in Vanderbijlpark, and looting has also occurred at Jabulani Mall in Soweto.

Protests coinciding with and linked to the Zuma issue were also reported overnight July 10-11 in various areas of Gauteng, including Jeppestown, Denver, Alexandra, Wynberg, Maboneng, and the M2 highway in Johannesburg. On 11 July eThekwini Metro Police reported over 120 separate protest and looting incidents. In addition, reports indicate that as of July 12 police have arrested at least 219 people, and six have been fatally wounded, with numbers likely to increase in the coming days.

Protesters have gathered regularly in KZN since Zuma was arrested at Nkandla and jailed in Estcourt, July 7. Gatherings and roadblocks have occurred in and near various cities and towns, including Durban, Ballito, Mooi River, Nkandla, and Richards Bay; gatherings near informal settlements have occurred. Protesters have also blocked primary and secondary road routes, including the N2 and N3.

These aforementioned areas are likely to experience further disruptive protests in the coming hours and almost certainly until lawyers representing Zuma appeal his jail sentence at the Constitutional Court, July 12. A continuation and possible escalation in protest activity is likely if the July 12 appeal is dismissed.

Authorities are likely to deploy security and traffic management personnel to areas where protests occur and previous protest hotspots. Ground travel disruptions are likely near all protest sites. Clashes between protesters and the police are almost certain if demonstrators ignore police orders to disperse or if protests escalate. Protesters may also engage in further acts of public violence, including looting and attacks targeting commercial transport vehicles.

Background and Analysis Zuma was sentenced to 15 months imprisonment after being found guilty of contempt of court, June 29. He was arrested late July 7 and is currently incarcerated at the Estcourt Police Station. An appeal to the Pietermaritzburg High Court to overturn the warrant of execution for his arrest was dismissed, July 7. Zuma will remain in jail at least until his appeal is heard by the Constitutional Court, July 12. Protest activity is likely to concentrate in KZN and to a lesser degree Gauteng. The civil unrest is ostensibly linked to the ongoing incarceration of Zuma; however, most looting action appears opportunistic and criminally motivated, as well as being driven by longstanding grievances over local disputes, service delivery demands and corruption.

Advice Avoid all protests. Liaise with trusted contacts for further information on planned and actual protest areas. Consider alternative routes around impact areas. Plan for disruptions to both general travel and the transport of freight. Reconfirm the status of all road routes in the coming days before travel. Heed the directives of the local authorities. Reconfirm all ground public transport services before travel.

Resources i-traffic KZN (Twitter) ECR Traffic (Twitter) Jo'burg Metro Police Department

Alert begins: 07/12/2021

Civil Unrest: Further taxi-related violence and disruptions likely in Cape Town, South Africa, through mid-July in response to ongoing disputes. Incident: Taxi-related violence, protests Location(s): Cape Town (map) Time Frame: Through mid-July Impact: Heightened security, ground travel delays; possible clashes

Summary Further taxi-related violence and disruptions are likely in Cape Town through mid-July in response to recent violence linked to an ongoing dispute between rival taxi operators. The conflict between the Cape Amalgamated Taxi Association (CATA) and the Congress of Democratic Taxi Association (CODETA) is likely linked to a long- standing dispute over access and control of transport routes.

Officials will likely maintain an increased security presence near taxi ranks and in recent violence-affected areas in the coming days. Related violence is likely to impact taxi depots and ranks in and near informal settlements; however, taxi operators may also launch protests, including in the form of convoy go-slows along major roads, including the N1 and N2 highways. Should further taxi-related protest action be initiated, clashes between striking taxi drivers and security personnel are possible.

Background and Analysis Taxi-related violence and disruptions are common in South Africa, including Cape Town, where competition over routes regularly leads to confrontations between opposing groupings. Recent violence, including targeted killings of rivals, led CATA and CODETA to suspend operations. Fatal shootings have occurred in Ravensmead, Du Noon, and Phillipi East, leaving at least seven people dead. On July 7, a large convoy of minibus taxis disrupted traffic along the N1 highway outbound.

Advice Monitor local media and liaise with trusted contacts for further updates. Avoid all protests. Exercise caution when traveling in or near Cape Town's informal settlements and along major highway networks. Heed the instructions of local officials. Do not drive through protester roadblocks.

Alert begins: 07/08/2021

Other Alerts & Advisories Critical Alerts

Entry/Exit: South Africa extends most nationwide COVID-19 restrictions through at least July 25 amid high disease activity. Incident: COVID-19 restrictions Affected Area(s): Nationwide (map) Time Frame: Indefinite Impact: Business and travel disruptions

Summary The South African government has extended nearly all of the nation's domestic COVID-19-related restrictions through at least July 25 amid prevailing high levels of disease activity. While the country remains at Level 4, the second-highest level on its five-tier virus transmission risk scale, authorities have marginally relaxed some restrictions from late July 11. The measures allow restaurants and eateries to offer in-person dining up to a maximum of 50 patrons, or up to 50 percent capacity for smaller venues. Gyms can also reopen with social distancing measures in place. A nationwide 21:00-04:00 curfew remains in effect; only permitted workers are allowed to travel during curfew hours.

Additionally, the following restrictions are in force under Level 4 through at least July 25:

Facemasks are mandatory in all public places. Travel in and out of Gauteng Province for leisure is prohibited. All social, religious, political, and other gatherings are prohibited except for funerals, which officials limit to 50 people. Alcohol sales are banned. All nonessential establishments must close by 20:00. Individuals should only meet with members of their own households outside of work. Schools remain closed. Public parks and beaches remain open, though social gatherings are banned at these locations.

Authorities could further tighten or ease restrictions within individual jurisdictions based on disease activity. Further amendments to updated restrictions are possible in the coming days.

International Travel Restrictions OR Tambo (JNB), Cape Town (CPT), King Shaka (DUR), Kruger Mpumalanga (MQP), and Lanseria International (HLA) airports are open for international flights. However, several nations have placed restrictions on flights to and from South Africa due to concerns over COVID-19 variants present in the country. Twenty land border crossings with neighboring states are open; some 33 others remain closed.

Persons entering South Africa must provide a negative result from a COVID-19 test taken no more than 72 hours before departure for the country; those failing to do so will be tested on arrival. Individuals testing positive are subject to a 10-day isolation period.

Maritime travel is permitted on small passenger craft; however, the government continues to ban all cruise ships from docking. Cargo transport is operating normally. Advice Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel arrangements, including required in-country quarantine requirements, before travel. Consider delaying traveling if experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, as they may prompt increased scrutiny and delays. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions. Reconsider and reconfirm nonemergency health appointments. Plan for delays at available shopping centers.

Resources South Africa Health Department COVID-19 Online Resource Government of South Africa

Alert begins: 07/11/2021 Warning Alerts

Health: Ongoing COVID-19 activity in Sub-Saharan Africa during June 30. Maintain basic health precautions. Incident: COVID-19 transmission Location(s): Regionwide (map) Period: May-June 2021 Transmission: Respiratory (coughing, sneezing, speaking)

Summary Several countries and territories continue to report COVID-19 transmission as of June 30. The following countries and territories have identified confirmed COVID-19 May 30-June 30. Countries are classified by risk of transmission according to the incidence rate over the past four weeks:

Very high risk of transmission

Seychelles Namibia Botswana Reunion

High risk of transmission

South Africa Cape Verde Zambia

Moderate risk of transmission

Rwanda Uganda Eritrea

Low risk of transmission

Zimbabwe Eswatini Mauritius Mayotte Liberia Gabon Kenya Mauritania Lesotho Sierra Leone Republic of Congo Equatorial Guinea Mozambique Angola DRC Sao Tome and Principe Senegal Cameroon Malawi Djibouti Cote d'Ivoire Burundi Togo Ghana Guinea Guinea-Bissau Madagascar Gambia Comoros Sudan Somalia Benin Central African Republic Mali Nigeria Niger Burkina Faso Chad

Background and Analysis Additional cases may be added to this list at any time as disease surveillance and testing continues.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a viral respiratory disease caused by infection with the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Human-to-human transmission occurs primarily through respiratory droplets from infected individuals or contact with contaminated surfaces or objects. Symptoms occur 1-14 days following exposure (average of 3-7 days). These symptoms typically include fever, fatigue, and dry cough; less common symptoms include headache, diarrhea, loss of taste or smell, reddening of the eyes, skin rash, or discoloration of the fingers or toes. Symptoms may worsen to difficulty breathing, pneumonia, and organ failure - especially in those with underlying, chronic medical conditions. Some infected individuals display no symptoms. Multiple variants of COVID-19 have been identified globally, some of which spread more easily between people. COVID-19 vaccines are being distributed to frontline workers and the elderly in some countries, while other vaccines are in varying stages of development and clinical trials; more data is required to determine the efficacy of vaccines against COVID-19 variants.

Older individuals and people of any age with chronic medical conditions or compromised immunity should consider postponing nonessential travel, including domestic travel, and take special precautions to avoid becoming ill, especially where sustained community transmission of COVID-19 is ongoing. All individuals should monitor their health and limit interactions with others for 14 days after returning from travel.

Advice Emphasize basic health precautions, especially frequent handwashing with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are unavailable. Practice good coughing/sneezing etiquette (i.e., covering coughs and sneezes with a disposable tissue, maintaining distance from others, and washing hands). There is no evidence that antibiotics or antiviral medications will prevent this disease, highlighting the importance of diligent basic health precautions.

Resources WHO coronavirus knowledge base WHO: Public health considerations while resuming international travel US CDC: Guidance for Businesses and Workplaces US CDC: Preventing COVID-19 Spread in Communities Mental Health Considerations during COVID-19 Outbreak US CDC: Manage Anxiety and Stress New England Journal of Medicine: COVID Vaccine Frequently Asked Questions

Alert begins: 06/30/2021

Man-Made Fire: Emergency crews responding to fire at Brookside Mall in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa, the morning of July 12. Avoid the area. Event: Fire Location(s): Pietermaritzburg (map) Date: July 12 Impact: Localized business and transport disruptions; possible evacuations

Summary Emergency crews are responding to a fire at Brookside Mall in Pietermaritzburg, the morning of July 12. Rioting protesters reportedly set the mall on fire. There have been no initial reports of casualties.

Emergency responders are likely to remain in the area in the coming hours. The fire and response are likely to result in localized transport and business disruptions. Authorities could evacuate buildings and shops in the area as a precaution.

Advice Avoid the area until the situation stabilizes and authorities give the all-clear. Seek alternative routes to circumvent the incident site. Consider remaining indoors if affected by heavy smoke, especially if you suffer from a respiratory illness, such as asthma, or conditions that lead to increased risk from smoke exposure. Eye irritation is possible; flush irritated eyes with copious amounts of clean water. Heed all official instructions, including evacuation notices.

Alert begins: 07/12/2021 Informational Alerts

Wildfire: Authorities issue wildfire warnings for portions of the Northern Cape, Free State, and North West provinces, South Africa, July 12. Incident: Wildfire Warnings Location(s): Northern Cape, Free State, and North West provinces (map) Date: July 12 Impact: Possible wildfires, damages, disruptions, power outages, and health concerns

Summary The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued level 10 warnings (the highest level) for wildfire conditions for parts of the northern and eastern Northern Cape, western Free State, and western North West provinces, July 12. Warnings could be expanded or amended in the coming days.

Any fires could lead to ground travel disruptions, including along parts of national highways. Power outages are also possible in the impacted area. Authorities could close both primary or secondary routes during any fire response. Low visibility from smoke and possible ashfall could contribute to traffic delays and congestion.

Advice Monitor local media for updates from the authorities. Seek updated information on road conditions if driving in the affected area. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of power outages.

Should fires occur, remain inside well-ventilated, air-conditioned spaces to reduce exposure to smoke. Individuals with chronic respiratory illnesses may be more susceptible to the negative effects of smoke inhalation. Eye irritation is possible; flush irritated eyes with copious amounts of clean water.

Resources South African Weather Service Warnings

Alert begins: 07/12/2021

Security Intelligence

SECURITY

Armed Conflict: Armed Conflict - South Africa South Africa maintains generally cordial relations with its neighbors and other countries in the region and is one of the main economic and political actors on the continent. The country's armed forces have increasingly been involved in peacekeeping and security cooperation operations on the continent in recent years but there are currently no potential flashpoints that could lead to internal or external conflict in the foreseeable future.

Civil Unrest: Civil Unrest generally poses a high threat in South Africa

Civil unrest occurs frequently in South Africa, driven primarily by long-running socio-economic grievances. Service delivery protests, in particular, remain near-daily occurrences in the townships and impoverished suburbs surrounding the country's main urban centers. Aggrieved residents regularly block roads, stone passing vehicles and clash with security forces, who often resort to heavy-handed tactics to quell the unrest.

South Africa has also been prone to waves of xenophobic violence. The opening of the country's borders in the early 1990s prompted an influx of migrants, mostly from other African countries. However, high unemployment rates and a stagnant economy have led to tensions between local and foreign nationals, which have sporadically escalated into attacks on foreign-owned businesses and rioting. Violent unrest, mostly in townships but occasionally in central areas of urban centers such as Durban and Johannesburg, has left dozens of people dead and thousands displaced, with the government criticized for its perceived inability or reluctance to decisively address the issue. Outbreaks of xenophobic violence in South Africa also have the potential to generate reprisals in neighboring countries.

In recent years, student-related unrest has also increased in frequency and intensity. Higher education has come to represent one of the most important facets of social mobility in post-apartheid South Africa, with impoverished communities perceiving it as one of the critical components for improving their livelihoods. Government attempts to raise tuition fees have sparked protests and associated disturbances across campuses in Durban, Cape Town, Pretoria, Johannesburg and Port Elizabeth. With only about a quarter of university students coming from low-income, typically black, backgrounds, higher education fees have triggered popular anger from the new generation over the stinted political, social and economic transition in the two decades that since the end of apartheid.

Labor unrest also occurs regularly. The country's trade unions are highly active and frequently instigate multi- sector protests and strike actions involving hundreds of thousands of participants. Sectors most susceptible to disruptive industrial action include manufacturing, electricity, transport, construction and mining. Strike action can often be disruptive and result in extensive property damage as well as deadly violence, while taxi strikes frequently see attacks on other forms of public transport.

Contacts and Communication: Emergency numbers and selected embassy contacts in South Africa Travelers should familiarize themselves with the location and contact details of other foreign embassies in case their country's embassy closes due to an emergency or some other unexpected circumstances. Another embassy can often provide assistance in such cases.

Emergency services:

Police Emergency 10-111 or 112 from mobile phone Ambulance Emergency 10-177 112 from a mobile phone Fire Emergency 10-177 International Country Code 27 City Code for Pretoria 12 Contact information for select embassies in South Africa:

Note: This information is subject to change.

Australia - Consulate Belgium - Embassy Canada - High Commission

292 Orient Street 625 Leyds St 1103 Arcadia Street Arcadia Muckleneuk Corner Arcadia & Hilda Street Pretoria Pretoria Hatfield Phone: +27-12-423-6000 Phone: +27-12-440-3201 Pretoria Fax: +27-12-342-8442 Fax: +27-12-440-3216 Phone: +27-12-422-3000 southafrica.embassy.gov.au https://southafrica.diplomatie Fax: +27-12-422-3052 canadainternational.gc.ca China - Embassy France - Embassy Germany - Embassy

972 Pretorius Street, Arcadia 0083 250 Melk Street 201 Florence Ribeiro Ave, Pretoria New Muckleneuk Groenkloof Phone: +27-12-431-6500 Pretoria Pretoria, 0181 Fax: +27-12-342-4244 Phone: +27-12-42-51-600 Phone: +27-427-8900 chinese-embassy.org.za Fax: +27-12-42-51-609 germanmissions/sa-embassy ambafrance-rsa.org India - High Commission United Kingdom - High United States - Embassy Commission 852 Frances Baard Street PO Box 9536, 0001 Cnr of Frances Baard Street and 255 Hill Street 877 Pretorius St, Pretoria Eastwood Street Arcadia Phone: +27-12-431-4000 Arcadia Pretoria Fax: +27-12-342-2299 Pretoria Phone: +27-12-421-7500 southafrica.usembassy.gov Phone: +27-12-342-5310 Fax: +27-86-535-5422 Fax: +27-12-342-5310 gov.uk/british-high-commission- hcisouthafrica.in pretoria

Crime: Crime generally poses a high threat in South Africa

Levels of criminal activity in South Africa are amongst the highest on the continent and violent crime, including robbery, carjacking, sexual assault and murder, is pervasive. Violent crime and gang activity is heavily focused in low-income suburbs, townships and squatter camps, but is also highly prevalent around shopping centers, hotels and public transportation hubs in major towns and cities, especially Pretoria, Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town. The use of firearms during robberies is ubiquitous and even incidents of petty theft can quickly escalate to violence.

Foreigners are generally specifically targeted by thieves, but the prevalence of criminal activity across most neighborhoods in the main urban centers means that they are involved in a wide range of incidents. The most common crimes in South Africa include muggings and carjackings, often committed by groups of several criminals. Although the majority of incidents are relatively minor, criminals are routinely armed and have often proved quick to resort to violence if resisted or challenged. Western travelers have occasionally been targeted alongside wealthier local nationals in residential burglaries due to a perception of affluence.

Vehicular crime has become an increasing concern in South Africa in recent years, with the frequency of carjackings and roadside robberies becoming a major cause of concern in many areas. A common tactic has seen several criminals in a vehicle to blocking in cars waiting at gates when entering or leaving offices and residences, cutting off escape options. Criminals also frequently target vehicles in stationary traffic or waiting at junctions, reaching through windows or opening doors in order to grab valuables or rob occupants. Armed bandits frequently target vehicles traveling on remote rural roads, particularly at night near the borders with Eswatini, Mozambique and Zimbabwe, and use various techniques including staging breakdowns or accidents in order to force vehicles to stop. Violent robberies from cash-in-transit vehicles, often involving automatic firearms, have become particularly common in recent years and pose a significant incidental risk to vehicles and pedestrians in the vicinity.

Sexual assaults are common in South Africa, and although foreigners are not specifically targeted, a number of cases involving expatriates have been reported, with the high prevalence of HIV/AIDS exacerbating the risk. Credit card fraud and the circulation of counterfeit currency are further concerns throughout South Africa. Using ATMs in quiet areas and after bank business hours is not advised, as criminals often loiter in the area and rob those withdrawing money, or steal account information under the guise of providing assistance. There have also been reports of ATMs retaining cards, with criminals returning later to retrieve them from the machine, as well as cases, usually at night, of explosives being used to steal money directly from the machines.

Related Advice: Strategies for reducing the risk of becoming a victim of LGBT hate crime. Related Advice: Increasing your personal security while traveling. Related Advice: Protecting yourself from carjacking and reacting when it happens.

Geopolitical: The geopolitical threat in South Africa is moderate

Although South Africa has remained relatively stable under the African National Congress (ANC) since the end of apartheid, the party's credibility and legitimacy have been increasingly questioned in recent years amid corruption scandals and an inability to address long-running socio-economic grievances, and the political opposition has made inroads in the major urban centers. In February 2018, President Jacob Zuma was forced to resign over long-running corruption allegations, being replaced as president by his deputy and newly-elected ANC leader Cyril Ramaphosa.

Corruption remains widespread in South Africa despite the existence of an excellent anti-corruption regulatory framework, although anti-corruption efforts have been increasing. The country's judiciary remains largely independent and has clashed with the executive on a number of occasions over laws or policies.

Kidnapping/Hostage Situation: The threat of kidnapping in South Africa is moderate

Kidnapping for ransom is usually motivated by financial gain and perpetrated by criminal entities of varying levels of sophistication. Criminally motivated kidnap-for-ransom poses a specific security threat to certain communities in South Africa, predominantly wealthy local business owners of South and East Asian descent and expatriate businessmen (from countries such as Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, and Mozambique).

The kidnap threat is most elevated for persons in urban centers, more specifically, in the municipal districts of Johannesburg, Pretoria (Tshwane), and Cape Town. Kidnappings have taken place in suburbs where Indian/East Asian communities are based, or targeted individuals' business premises. Victims are usually released unharmed and relatively quickly after ransoms are paid.

Tourists and short-term recreational and/or business travelers also face the threat of express kidnapping, which involves the short-term abduction of a victim while they are robbed of their possessions and forced to withdraw money from ATMs.

Related Advice: Increasing your chances of survival in a kidnapping/hostage situation Related Advice: Avoiding and surviving kidnapping situations.

Security Services: Security services in South Africa are generally poor (risk is moderate).

Security Services

The capabilities and responsiveness of security services in South Africa are generally poor, though are adequate in some parts of the country (risk is moderate). Although South Africa has a number of different security forces, the civil police (South African Police Service) are likely to be the most relevant for foreign nationals and local staff. Police officers are typically able to speak English, though no other international languages. Police response to emergency calls may be slow; the South African police rely on private security organizations to conduct petty crime investigations. Incidents of police harassment or inappropriate detention of foreigners are rare, but can occur. Due to poor pay and few resources, police officers could solicit bribes. In South Africa, foreign nationals should not always rely on security forces but should instead liaise with their diplomatic mission.

Related Advice: Personal security while walking. Terrorism: Terrorism generally poses a low threat in South Africa

South Africa's status as a regional economic hub makes it a potentially attractive target for transnational terrorist groups, but extremists have not yet gained a solid foothold in the country. However, terrorist groups are believed to have used the country for recruitment, financing and logistical purposes to carry out attacks in other countries, with individuals also exploiting the country's porous borders and ease of access to passports to travel.

However, foreign governments have issued several travel alerts to their nationals in recent years about the potential for attacks in South Africa, including in areas popular with tourists and expatriates. The South African government has typically downplayed these threats, none of which have resulted in any significant attacks. Nonetheless, there have been growing concerns over the Islamic State group's online propaganda and the potential for self-radicalized individuals to carry out attacks in the country.

Related Advice: Recognizing suspicious objects and the threat of hidden explosives while traveling Related Advice: General guidelines to protect yourself against terrorism.

Overview of South Africa

South Africa has made significant strides, politically and economically, since the end of apartheid rule in the early 1990s, but the legacy of race-based policies remains visible in many segments of society. The country's political scene continues to be dominated by the African National Congress (ANC), although the party has lost significant popular support in recent years over its inability to address long-running socio-economic issues and a spate of high-profile corruption scandals.

Civil unrest has diminished significantly since the end of apartheid, but disruptive protest and strike actions remain widespread and frequent, often revolving around service delivery and socio-economic grievances. Unequal wealth distribution, primarily along racial lines, fuels a prevalent crime rate which, along with endemic HIV/AIDS prevalence, has undermined the country's economic development.

The primary threats to foreign travelers include violent criminal activity and high rates of road traffic fatalities. Infrastructure is relatively well-developed throughout much of the country but is significantly less so in more economically deprived areas, while changing weather patterns and the mismanagement of public utilities have led to frequent water and electricity supply issues in recent years. Weather, Currency Exchange

SOUTH AFRICA WEATHER CURRENCY EXCHANGE

Cape Town D. F. Malan: 1 South CURRENCY 1 Euro 1 US African Rand Jul 12 Jul 13 Jul 14 Jul 15 Jul 16 NAMES = Dollar = =

High: 55° High: 57° High: 62° High: 66° High: 62° Euro 1.0000 0.0591 0.8423 F (12° C) F (13° C) F (16° C) F (18° C) F (16° C) South African 16.9336 1.0000 14.2634 Low: 44° Low: 42° Low: 41° Low: 44° Low: 45° Rand F (6° C) F (5° C) F (5° C) F (6° C) F (7° C) US Dollar 1.1872 0.0701 1.0000 Pretoria Airport: Jul 12 Jul 13 Jul 14 Jul 15 Jul 16

High: 59° High: 60° High: 60° High: 63° High: 64° F (15° C) F (15° C) F (15° C) F (17° C) F (17° C) Low: 42° Low: 35° Low: 39° Low: 40° Low: 40° F (5° C) F (1° C) F (3° C) F (4° C) F (4° C)

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