The Republic of South Africa consists of a myriad of cultures, languages, sites and natural wildlife. On the economic front, it’s termed as a newly industrialized nation and one that holds favorable business possibilities.
South Africa’s republican political structure has seen the country head towards a more peaceful future as opposed to its troublesome apartheid past. Other improvements include urbanization, better education and health care initiatives.
What are South Africa’s vital data points (as of 2019)?
| Population (million) | 58.5 |
| GDP (billion USD) | 351 |
| GDP per capita (USD) | 6,001 |
| GDP per capita PPP (USD) | 13,034 |
| Purchasing power per dollar, compared to the USA | 201% |
| Surface area (sq km) | 1,219,090 |
| % of population living in urban areas | 67% |
| % of GDP added by agriculture – industry – services | 2% – 26% – 61.2% |
| Ease of doing business index (1 = best, 189 = lowest) | 84 |
What is South Africa’s business index?
According to the World Bank, South Africa ranks 84th in ‘Ease of Doing Business’, out of 189 countries.
What are the top business opportunities in South Africa?
- Mining
- Automobile Assembly
- Metal working
- Machinery
- Textiles
- Iron and steel
- Chemicals
What are South Africa’s top import commodities?
- Petroleum products
- Machinery & equipment
- Chemicals
- Scientific instruments
- Foodstuff
Who are South Africa’s top import partners (percentage of total imports?
- China (19%)
- Germany (10.1%)
- Saudi Arabia (4.2%)
- US (6.7%)
- Nigeria (4.2%)
- India (5.0%)
South African sports and culture
South African culture is rich and lively, depicted through a beautiful blending of music, rituals and energetic dance. Many talented authors hail from South Africa or have been influenced by its rich cultural life.
Rugby and Cricket are the most favored sports in South Africa for which they have won global recognition.
South African politics
South Africa follows a republican system that allows voting for all citizens 18 years and above.
South African national holidays 2021
The following list mentions the national holidays in South Africa for the year 2021 on which most schools, colleges, institutes and companies may remain shut:
| Holiday | Date |
| New Year’s Day | Jan 1 |
| Human Rights Day | March 21 |
| Good Friday | March 25 |
| Family Day | March 28 |
| Freedom Day | April 27 |
| Worker’s Day | May 1 and 2 |
| Youth Day | June 16 |
| National Women’s Day | August 9 |
| Heritage Day | September 24 |
| Day of Reconciliation | December 16 |
| Christmas Day | December 25 (and 26) |
| Day of Goodwill | December 26 |
The South African business environment
South Africa is a combination of a vibrant emerging market economy and well developed first world economic infrastructure. South Africa has business culture like the U.K, a sound banking system, a reasonable tax structure, and a stock exchange ranked among the top 20 in the world.
The economy of South Africa being the second largest in Africa, industry and trade are undertaken within a framework of a free enterprise economy. In fact, the exchange rate of South Africa makes it one of the least expensive countries for foreigners to do business in. Another promising factor is the lowering of telecommunication costs within the country.
South Africa has been identified by the Mckinsey Global institute as the world’s second fastest growing region. With reduced taxes and tariffs and a controlled fiscal deficit system, South Africa can act as a fine partner country for your business.
