Trending South Africa News Today
Date: July 2025
1. Miners Caution Chrome Export Tax May Cost Jobs
South Africa's mining industry vigorously opposed the proposed chrome ore export tax by the government, forecasting reduced profitability and job losses. The Minerals Council reiterated that the industry, which directly employs 25,000 people and generated R85 billion in exports in the previous year, remains vulnerable to increased costs and reduced global competitiveness (reuters.com).
2. Rand Holds Ground Ahead of Key Data & Global Trade Developments
The South African rand is not too far off at around R17.53/USD, showing resilience despite mixed global signals and upcoming domestic data. Analysts point to optimism over U.S. fiscal policy and South African foreign reserve levels and manufacturing PMI as key instigators (reuters.com).
3. National Dialogue Continues Without DA Participation
President Ramaphosa has promised the national conversation on matters like poverty and crime will continue, even if a cabinet member of the Democratic Alliance (DA) got the axe. Although the DA remains part of the ruling alliance, political tension may impact policy-making (reuters.com).
4. Senuran Muthusamy & Wiaan Mulder to Captain Proteas in Second Test
In cricket, Keshav Maharaj was injured and ruled out of South Africa's second Test versus Zimbabwe. Senuran Muthusamy is brought into the team as a result, and Wiaan Mulder has been appointed stand-in skipper. In spite of this adjustment, the Proteas are looking for a 2–0 series sweep, having won the first with a commanding 328‑run margin (reuters.com).
Why This Matters – Context & Impact
- Chrome Tax: Can affect global market chrome supply chains and local employment, with overseas smelters looking for alternatives due to high local electricity costs (reuters.com).
- Currency Watch: The rand's behavior is a gauge of investor sentiment ahead of major economic reports and U.S. policy adjustments.
- Political Stability: The DA pullback confirms heightened coalition tensions, but the fact that the talk continues indicates Ramaphosa's resolve to tackle national issues.
- Cricket Update: Changes in Proteas team leadership are crucial prior to the second Test—crucial for maintaining the winning momentum of the team.
Coming Up – What to Watch
- Economic Indicators: Foreign reserves and manufacturing PMI data over the coming week.
- Diplomatic Developments: Update on global trade negotiations affecting the rand.
- Miner Responses: Industry reaction to the result concerning the chrome export tax.
- Cricket Preview: Test match analysis and team performance with the revised squad.
External Sources
For further reading:
- Chrome tax debate: Reuters (fxleaders.com, reuters.com, marketscreener.com, reuters.com)
- Rand movements & indicators: Reuters (reuters.com)
- National dialogue news: Reuters
- Cricket leadership update: Reuters