Institute for Security Studies

When it comes to peace and security on the continent, South Africa plays a significant role: it contributed to the African Peace and Security Architecture and the African Capacity for Immediate Response to Crises. It also has an impressive track record in conflict resolution.

South Africa dismantled its nuclear weapons programme in 1993 - and the country's progressive disarmament policies continue to play a significant role in the global nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation regime.

There has been a slight uptick in South Africa's economy, and the country jumped a place in the 2014 Ibrahim Index of African Governance overall. But there are still deep concerns about the slow pace of change on the continent, with Mo Ibrahim saying it should adopt a stance of Afro-realism.

Three possible scenarios have been sketched for South Africa's growth. Under Mandela Magic, the country will boom. The National Development Plan is key to achieving this potential of high economic growth, equality and increased employment.

South Africa was well positioned to become a deal-making, financial and professional services hub for the entire region, Brand South Africa’s head pointed out at the Africa Risk Conference at the JSE.

The South African Police Services released its annual report on crime on 30 June 2008. In a media briefing Minister of Safety and Security Charles Nqakula revealed that while robberies and hijackings increased, contact crime, including murder, showed a marked decrease.

The past few years have seen a remarkable crime turnaround in South Africa, thanks in large part to public-private partnerships. The Economist, in a special survey of the country, highlights Business Against Crime and its pioneering model for combating crime on the streets of Johannesburg.