South Africa Passport

[Country Name] The Republic of South Africa.

【 Area 】 1219090 square kilometers.

Population: 62 million (according to the 2022 South African Census data). Divided into four major races: black, colored, white, and Asian, they account for 81%, 8.8%, 7.6%, and 2.6% of the total population, respectively. Black people are mainly divided into 9 tribes: Zulu, Xhosa, Swazi, Tswana, North Soto, South Soto, Conga, Wenda, and Ndebele, and mainly use Bantu language. The white population is mainly composed of Afrikaans (a predominantly Dutch ethnic group formed by the fusion of French and German immigrants) and English white people, with languages being Afrikaans and English. People of color are mainly mixed race individuals born between white and local black people, primarily speaking Afrikaans. Asian people are mainly composed of Indians (the vast majority) and Chinese. There are 12 official languages, of which English and Afrikaans are common languages. About 80% of the population believes in Christianity, while the rest follow primitive religions such as Islam and Hinduism.

Pretoria is the administrative capital with a population of approximately 3.28 million; Cape Town is the legislative capital with a population of approximately 4.01 million; Bloemfontein is the judicial capital with a population of approximately 760000 (according to the 2016 South African census data).

[Head of State] President Cyril Ramaphosa. He took office in February 2018 and was re elected twice in May 2019 and June 2024.

[Important Festival] New Year (January 1st); Human Rights Day (March 21st); Good Friday (Friday before Easter); Easter; Family Day (Monday after Easter); Freedom Day (National Day, April 27th); Labor Day (May 1st); Youth Day (June 16th); Women's Day (August 9th); Traditional Festival (September 24th); Reconciliation Day (December 16th); Christmas (December 25th); Friendship Day (December 26th).

[Overview] It is located at the southernmost end of the African continent, bordering the Indian Ocean to the east, the Atlantic Ocean to the west, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Eswatini to the north, and Lesotho is surrounded by South Africa. The coastline is about 3000 kilometers long. Most parts of the country have a tropical grassland climate.

The earliest indigenous inhabitants were the San, Koi, and later the southward migrating Bantu people. From the 17th century, the Dutch and British invaded successively and pushed the colony inland. In the mid-19th century, white rulers established four political entities: two British colonies, namely Cape and Natal colonies; Two Boer republics, namely the Republic of Transvaal and the Orange Free State. From 1899 to 1902, the British Bulgarian War ended in a difficult victory for the British. In 1910, four political entities merged into the "Union of South Africa" and became the British Dominion. The South African authorities have long implemented policies of racial discrimination and segregation domestically through legislative and administrative means. In 1948, after the Kuomintang came to power, it fully implemented the apartheid system and suppressed the resistance struggle of the South African people, which was condemned and sanctioned by the international community. In 1961, it withdrew from the Commonwealth (rejoined in 1994) and established the Republic of South Africa. In 1989, after becoming the leader and president of the Kuomintang, De Klerk implemented political reforms, lifted the ban on black liberation organizations, and released black leaders such as Nelson Mandela, the president of the African National Congress (ANC). In 1991, 19 parties including the ANC, South African government, and Kuomintang held multi-party negotiations on a political solution to the South African issue, and reached an agreement on political transition arrangements in 1993. In April May 1994, South Africa held its first non racial general election. The tripartite alliance led by the ANC, the Communist Party of South Africa, and the Congress of South African Trade Unions won with a majority of 62.65%. Mandela became the first black president of South Africa, and the ANC, Nationalist Party, and Inkatha Freedom Party formed a national unity government.

The National Unity Government, with the ANC as the main body, adheres to policies of reconciliation, stability, and development, properly handles racial conflicts, comprehensively promotes social change, strives to improve the political, economic, and social status of black people, and achieves a smooth transition from a white government to a multi-ethnic coalition government. In 1996, the Kuomintang withdrew from the National Unity Government, and the tripartite alliance led by the ANC basically achieved independent governance. The ANC continued to pursue a policy of racial reconciliation, striving to maintain social stability and continuously improve the social status and living standards of black people, winning consecutive elections in 1999 and 2004. On September 21, 2008, President Thabo Mbeki announced his resignation after being summoned back by the African National Congress. On September 25th, the National Assembly elected Kgalema Mothlante, Vice President of the ANC, as the new president. On April 22, 2009, South Africa held its fourth democratic election. The ANC won the election again with 65.9% of the vote and won in eight provinces except the Western Cape. The opposition Democratic Alliance has won the election in the Western Cape province. On May 6th, the National Assembly elected ANC President Jacob Zuma as the new president of the South. On May 7, 2014, South Africa held its fifth general election, and the ANC won again with 62.15% of the vote. Zuma was re elected as president, and Ramaphosa was appointed as vice president. On December 16-20, 2017, the 54th National Congress of the African National Congress was held, and Ramaphosa, former Vice Chairman of the ANC and Vice President of the South, was elected as the President of the ANC. On February 14, 2018, President Zuma announced his resignation after being summoned back by the African National Congress. On February 15th, the South National Assembly elected Ramaphosa as the new president of the South, and he was sworn in on the same day. On May 8, 2019, South Africa held its sixth general election, and the ANC won again with 57.5% of the vote. Ramaphosa was re elected as president, and David Mabuza became vice president. In December 2022, the 55th National Congress of the African National Congress was held, and Ramaphosa was re elected as the President of the African National Congress. In early February 2023, Mabuza announced his resignation from the position of Vice President. On March 6th, Ramaphosa appointed Paul Mashatile, Vice President of the ANC, as Vice President. In May 2024, South Africa will hold its seventh general election. The ANC's vote share was 40.18%, the first time in 30 years that it fell below half, and although it struggled to maintain its position as the largest party, it lost the right to form a separate government. In June, Ramaphosa was re elected as president and announced the formation of a national unity government with parties such as the Democratic Alliance and the Inkatha Freedom Party. In July, a new cabinet was formed in South Africa, and Mashatille was re elected as Vice President.

The 1994 Provisional Constitution was the first constitution in South African history to reflect racial equality. In 1996, the new constitution drafted on the basis of the interim constitution was officially approved and implemented in stages starting from 1997. The Constitution stipulates the implementation of a system of separation of powers among the executive, legislative, and judicial branches, with the central, provincial, and local governments interdependent and exercising their respective powers. The Bill of Rights in the Constitution is known as the cornerstone of South African democracy, explicitly guaranteeing citizens' various rights. Amending the preamble of the Constitution requires the approval of 3/4 of the members of the National Assembly and six provinces in the Provincial Council; Amending other provisions of the Constitution requires the approval of two-thirds of the members of the National Assembly; If the constitutional amendment involves provisions on provincial affairs, it must be passed by the six provinces in the Provincial Affairs Council.

The parliament adopts a bicameral system, consisting of the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces, both with a term of 5 years. This parliament will be elected through national and nine provincial elections held in May 2024. The National Assembly has a total of 400 seats, with 200 seats allocated based on national election results and another 200 seats allocated based on provincial election results. The African National Congress won 159 seats, the Democratic Alliance won 87 seats, the National Spear won 58 seats, and the Economic Freedom Fighters won 39 seats. National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza (female). The Provincial Council has a total of 90 representatives, with 10 representatives from each province, consisting of the Governor, 3 special representatives (appointed by the Governor), and 6 permanent representatives (selected by the Provincial Council based on the proportion of each political party in the Provincial Council). Provincial Council Chairperson Refilwe Mtshweni Tsipane (female). The South African National Assembly and Provincial Councils have specialized committees, ad hoc committees, and joint committees corresponding to various government departments.

The government is divided into three levels: central, provincial, and local. The current cabinet members are as follows: President Cyril Ramaphosa, Vice President Paul Mashatille, Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen, Minister of Land Reform and Rural Development Mzwanele Nyhontso, Minister of Basic Education Siviwe Gwarube, Minister of Communications and Digital Technology Solly Malatsi, Minister of Coalition and Traditional Affairs Velinkosi Hlabisa, Minister of Defense and Veterans Angie Motshekga, Minister of Electricity and Energy Loxianzo Ramohampa. Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Blade Enzimandi Nzimande, Employment and Labor Minister Nomakhozzana Meth, Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana, Forests, Fisheries and Environment Minister Dion George, Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi, Higher Education Minister Nobuhle Nkabane, Interior Minister Leon Schreiber, Habitat Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi, International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola, Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Thembi Nkadimeng, Minister of Mines and Petroleum Resources Gwede Mantashe Mantashe, Minister of Planning, Supervision and Evaluation of the Presidential Office Maropene Ramokgopa, Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, Presidential Office Minister Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, Minister of Public Services and Management Mzamo Buthelezi, Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure Dean Macpherson, Minister of Small Business Development Stella Ndabeni Abrahams, Minister of Social Development Sisisi Tolashe Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie, Minister of Tourism Patricia De Lille, Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition Parks Tao Tau, Minister of Transport Barbara Creecy, Minister of Water Resources and Public Health Pemmy Mayorina, Minister of Women, Youth and Disability Sindisiwe Chikunga, and Minister of Prisons Pieter Groenewald.

The country is divided into 9 provinces and has 278 local governments, including 8 major cities, 44 regional committees, and 226 local committees.

The judicial system is basically divided into three major systems: courts, criminal justice, and procuratorial organs. The court is composed of the Constitutional Court, the Supreme Court of Appeal, the High Court, local courts, etc. Chief Justice of the Constitutional Court, Raymond Zondo. The President of the Supreme Court of Appeal, Mahebe Betty Molemela (female). Attorney General Shamila Batohi.

Political parties implement a multi-party system. There are currently 13 political parties in the National Assembly.

(1) The African National Congress, abbreviated as ANC, is the main governing party and the largest black political party. Advocating the establishment of a unified, democratic, and racially equal new South Africa, he led the anti racism struggle in South Africa. Founded in 1912 and renamed in 1925, with approximately one million members. He has long advocated nonviolent struggle. In 1960, it was declared an "illegal" organization by the South African authorities and its main leaders went into exile abroad. In 1961, it was decided to launch armed struggle and establish the "Spear of the Nation" military organization, with Mandela serving as the commander-in-chief. In 1962, Mandela and others were arrested. The ANC persisted in its struggle under extremely difficult conditions, gaining widespread sympathy and support both domestically and internationally, gradually becoming the most influential black liberation organization in South Africa. After the 1980s, the adjustment of the struggle strategy, the determination of the strategy of political settlement of the South African problem and the flexible handling of the constitutional negotiations, played a key role in the smooth transition process of South Africa. In April 1994, it became the ruling party. In December 1997, the 50th National Congress was held, and Mandela resigned from his position as chairman, electing a new leadership group led by Mbeki. In the second general election of New South Africa in June 1999, he won again and continued to govern. In December 2002, the 51st National Congress was held, and Mbeki was re elected as the chairman. In the third general election of 2004, the ANC won 69.68% of the votes and was re elected as the ruling party. In December 2007, the 52nd National Congress was held, and Jacob Zuma was elected as the party chairman. In the fourth general election in April 2009, the ANC won the National Assembly election again with 65.9% of the vote and continued to govern. In December 2012, the 53rd National Congress was held, with Zuma re elected as Chairman, Ramaphosa elected as Vice Chairman, and National President Mbet and General Secretary Gwid Mantashe re elected. In the fifth general election of South Africa on May 7, 2014, the ANC won again with 62.15% of the vote. On August 3, 2016, in the fifth local government election, the ANC received 53.91% of the vote nationwide, but lost control of the three major cities of Johannesburg, Tshwane, and Mandela Bay. In December 2017, the 54th National Congress was held, and Ramaphosa was elected as the President of the ANC. On May 8, 2019, in South Africa's sixth general election, the ANC won again with 57.5% of the vote and continued to govern. In the sixth local elections held in November 2021, the support rate of the ANC was 46.04%. In December 2022, the 55th National Congress was held, and Ramaphosa was re elected as the President of the ANC. In the seventh general election of South Africa held on May 29, 2024, the ANC received 40.18% of the vote and formed a national unity government with other parties.

(2) Democratic Alliance: The largest opposition party. Formerly known as the Democratic Party, it was renamed after merging with the New Nationalist Party in June 2000. The main members are white, representing the interests of the Anglo white business and financial community, advocating for the abolition of racial segregation, and actively participating in the South African peace process. In October 2001, the New Nationalist Party withdrew from the Democratic Alliance. In order to strengthen its power, the Democratic League has implemented a strategic transformation and is committed to establishing a national political party that includes both black and white members. In September 2003, he formed the "Alliance for Change" with the black political party Inkatha Freedom Party to jointly respond to the 2004 general election, and won 12.37% of the vote in the national election, winning 50 seats in the National Assembly. In the fourth general election in April 2009, he won 16.66% of the vote and 67 seats in the National Assembly. Obtained 52% of the votes in the Western Cape provincial election and won the governing power of the province. In the fifth general election in May 2014, he won 22.23% of the vote and 89 seats in the National Assembly, with his support rate rising to 59% in the Western Cape province. In the local elections held on August 3, 2016, with a vote share of 26.9%, he continued to govern alone in Cape Town and joined forces with other small parties in Johannesburg, Tshwane, and Mandela Bay. In the sixth general election in May 2019, he won 20.77% of the support and 84 seats in parliament, continuing to govern in the Western Cape province. In the seventh general election in May 2024, he won 21.8% of the support and 87 seats in parliament, 6 cabinet ministerial positions, and continued to govern in the Western Cape province. The current leader is John Steenhuisen.

(3) The National Spear Party (uMkhonto weSizwe, MK): registered in September 2023 by former President Jacob Zuma supporter Gabrani Kumaro, named after the armed forces of the ANC during the resistance against apartheid, with its main supporters being more radical black groups. The party believes that South Africa needs strong traditional leadership to address economic and social challenges, advocates strengthening the role of traditional leaders in social governance, emphasizes the implementation of electricity reform, strengthens education and training, accelerates land redistribution, and restricts foreign entities from exploiting resources in South Africa. In December 2023, former South African President Zuma announced a campaign on behalf of the National Spear Party and used his personal influence to expand his power in Quana Province. The ANC subsequently suspended Zuma's party membership and sued for illegal registration of the National Spear and infringement of the party emblem. In May 2024, the electoral court ruled that Zuma was ineligible to run. In the seventh general election in May 2024, he won 14.59% of the support and 58 seats in parliament, and announced the formation of a parliamentary opposition alliance with parties such as the Economic Freedom Fighters.

(4) Economic Freedom Fighters: Founded in June 2013 by Julius Malema, former president of the African National Youth Federation. Advocate adopting radical policies, reclaiming all land without compensation and redistributing it, implementing nationalization policies for mining, and promising to provide free education and healthcare for the entire population. In the fifth general election in May 2014, it jumped to become the third largest party, with a support rate of 6.35% and 25 seats in the National Assembly. In the local elections held on August 3, 2016, the vote share was 8.19%. Won 10.79% support and 44 parliamentary seats in the sixth general election in May 2019. Won 9.52% support and 39 parliamentary seats in the seventh general election in May 2024. Chairman Julius Malema.

(5) Inkatha Freedom Party: a black nationalist political party mainly composed of Zulu people in the KwaZulu Natal region. Its predecessor was the "National Cultural Liberation Movement", founded in 1928 and opened to all races in 1990. It was renamed as a political party and adopted its current name. With the aim of fighting for the liberation of black people, advocating for the resolution of the South African issue through peaceful negotiations. In April 1994, he ranked third in the national election and entered the National Unity Government. Since 1996, he has been in power in KwaZulu Natal province. After the 1999 general election, he continued to participate in the central government and co governed with the ANC in Quana Province. In September 2003, the "Alliance for Change" was formed with the Democratic Alliance to jointly respond to the 2004 general election, winning 6.97% of the vote and 28 seats in the National Assembly; In its traditional sphere of influence, the vote share in the Quana Province election dropped to 36.87%, losing its position as the largest party in the province. In the fourth general election in April 2009, he won 4.55% of the vote and 18 seats in the National Assembly; In the Quana Province election, the vote share further dropped to 20.5%. On January 25, 2011, the former national chairman of the Kata Freedom Party, Zanele Magwaza Msibi, announced his departure from the party and the establishment of a new party, the National Freedom Party, which greatly weakened the strength of the Kata Freedom Party. Obtained 10 seats in the fifth general election in May 2014. In the local elections held on August 3, 2016, the vote share was 4.25%. Won 3.38% support and 14 parliamentary seats in the sixth general election in May 2019. In the seventh general election in May 2024, he won 3.85% support and 17 seats in parliament. Chairman Velenkosini Hlabisa.

(6) The South African Communist Party: formed a "tripartite alliance" with the African National Congress and the South African Congress of Trade Unions. Its party members run for election and join the cabinet as members of the ANC. Established in July 1921. In 1950, it was declared an "illegal" organization by the South African authorities. Regained legal status in February 1990. Always regard the realization of communism as its ultimate goal, adhere to the nature of a "socialist working class political party", but believe that South Africa is basically a capitalist society that has undergone special colonial development and has strong dependence. The current task is still to promote a nationalist revolution with the goal of the complete liberation of black people. In July 2022, the 15th National Congress was held to elect a new leadership, and Solly Mapaila, the then First Deputy Secretary, was elected as the General Secretary.

In addition, other political parties include: Patriotic Alliance, Freedom Front Plus, Congress of the People, United Democratic Movement, African Christian Democratic Party, Pan Africanist Congress, Minority Front, African Transformation Movement, Good Party, etc.

Cyril Ramaphosa: President. Born in 1952. Bachelor of Law. In his early years, he engaged in the black student movement and founded the South African National Congress of Miners. Elected as the General Secretary of the African National Congress in 1991. After the establishment of New South Africa in 1994, he served as a member of the National Assembly and Chairman of the Constitutional Assembly. After losing the bid for the presidency of the African National Congress in 1997, he resigned from politics and went into business (still retaining party positions such as the National Executive Committee of the African National Congress). Elected as Vice President of the ANC in 2012. Appointed Vice President in May 2014. Elected as the President of the ANC in December 2017 and re elected in December 2022. On February 14, 2018, President Zuma was summoned back by the African National Congress and was forced to resign, with Ramaphosa taking over as president. Re elected as President in May 2019. Re elected as the President of the African National Congress in December 2022. Re elected as President in June 2024.

South Africa is a middle-income developing country and also the most developed economy in Africa. Natural resources are abundant. The financial and legal systems are relatively complete, and the infrastructure such as communication, transportation, and energy is good. Mining, manufacturing, agriculture, and service industries are all relatively developed and are the four pillars of the economy. Deep well mining and other technologies are at the forefront of the world. However, the development of various sectors and regions of the national economy is unbalanced, and the characteristics of urban-rural and black and white dual economy are obvious. In the early 1980s to early 1990s, the economy experienced a recession due to the impact of international sanctions. The new South African government has formulated the "Reconstruction and Development Plan", emphasizing the improvement of the social and economic status of black people. In 1996, the "Growth, Employment, and Redistribution Plan" was launched with the aim of promoting privatization, reducing fiscal deficits, increasing labor market flexibility, promoting exports, relaxing foreign exchange controls, and encouraging the development of small and medium-sized enterprises to achieve economic growth, increase employment, and gradually change the situation of unfair distribution. The average annual economic growth rate was 3% from 1994 to 2004, and exceeded 5% from 2005 to 2007. Affected by the international financial crisis, South Africa's economic growth slowed down in 2008, with year-on-year growth dropping to 3.1%, and in 2009 it was -1.8%, plunging into a recession at one point. In response to the impact of the financial crisis, the South African government has lowered interest rates six times since December 2008 and implemented comprehensive policy measures such as increasing spending and reducing taxes, stimulating investment and consumption, and strengthening social security to curb the economic downturn. Under the combined effect of government economic stimulus measures, gradually improving international economic environment, and preparations for the World Cup football tournament, the South African economy has gradually stabilized. Since 2010, the Zuma government has successively launched the "New Growth Path" and the "2030 National Development Plan", focusing on solving social problems such as poverty, unemployment, and wealth disparity, with strengthening government macroeconomic regulation as the main means to accelerate economic and social transformation. Since 2013, South Africa has experienced significant capital outflows due to factors such as the US withdrawal from quantitative easing policies. In recent years, due to multiple factors such as the global economic downturn, frequent domestic strikes, power shortages, and sluggish consumption, the South African economy has been overall sluggish with weak growth. President Ramaphosa has successively launched the "New Investment Initiative" and "Economic Stimulus and Recovery Plan", held employment summits and investment conferences, and is committed to restoring economic growth. From 2014 to 2019, the economic growth rate remained at around 1%. Affected by the COVID-19 and the "ban" measures, the economy contracted by 6.4% in 2020. In 2021, there was a strong recovery, with economic growth of 4.9%. The economic growth rate for 2022 is 1.9%. The main economic data for 2023 are as follows:

Gross Domestic Product (nominal): 377.7 billion US dollars.

Per capita Gross Domestic Product (nominal): 6138 US dollars.

Annual GDP growth rate: 0.6%.

Currency name: Rand.

Exchange rate: 1 US dollar ≈ 18.46 rand (average annual in 2023).

【 Resources 】 Rich in mineral resources, it is one of the five major mineral resource countries in the world. More than 70 types of mineral resources have been discovered and extracted. Platinum group metals, fluorite, chromium, gold, vanadium, manganese, zirconium, titanium, phosphate minerals, uranium, lead, antimony and other reserves rank among the top in the world.

Manufacturing, construction, energy, and mining are the four major sectors of South Africa's industry. The manufacturing industry has a complete range of categories, advanced technology, and its output value accounts for about 17.2% of the gross domestic product. The main products include steel, metal products, chemicals, transportation equipment, machine manufacturing, food processing, textiles, clothing, etc. The steel industry is the backbone of South Africa's manufacturing industry, with six major steel conglomerates and over 130 steel companies. In recent years, industries lacking competitiveness such as textiles and clothing have shrunk, while emerging export industries such as automobile manufacturing have developed rapidly.

In recent years, the construction industry in South Africa has developed rapidly, but problems such as outdated equipment and a lack of skilled workers are more prominent. The southern government is currently implementing an infrastructure development plan, and the construction industry is facing a great opportunity for further development.

The energy industry has a strong foundation and advanced technology. The power industry is relatively developed, with the state-owned enterprise South African Electricity Company (ESKOM) supplying 95% of South Africa's electricity consumption. In recent years, due to factors such as lagging electricity production and management, there has been a severe nationwide shortage of electricity. There is the only nuclear power plant on the African continent, the Koeberg Nuclear Power Plant, located near Cape Town, with a generating capacity of 1.8 million kilowatts. In addition, SASOL, a South African company, ranks among the world's leading companies in the commercialization of coal synthetic fuel and natural gas synthetic fuel technologies.

Mining production has a long history, with a complete modern mining system and advanced mining and smelting technology, and is the pillar of the South African economy. The output value accounts for about 18% of the gross domestic product. Mineral products are the main export products, and in 2020, the export value of mineral products accounted for about 25% of the total export value. South Africa is an important producer and exporter of gold, platinum group metals, and chromium in the world. Diamond production accounts for approximately 9% of the world's total. De Beers, a South African company, is the world's largest diamond production and sales company with total assets of $20 billion. Its revenue once accounted for 90% of the world's diamond supply market and still controls 60% of the world's rough diamond trade.

Agriculture, animal husbandry, and fishery are relatively developed, with output value accounting for 3% of the gross domestic product. Arable land accounts for about 12% of the land area, but high-yield land suitable for cultivation only accounts for 22%. The employment in agriculture, forestry, and fisheries accounts for about 7% of the population, and their product export revenue accounts for 15% of non mining export revenue. Agricultural production is significantly affected by climate change. Corn is the most important food crop. Various canned foods, cigarettes, alcohol, coffee, and beverages are selling well overseas. Rich in flowers and fruits, wine enjoys a high reputation.

Animal husbandry is relatively developed, mainly concentrated in 2/3 of the western territory. The main types of livestock include cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, etc., while poultry mainly include ostriches, broiler chickens, etc. The main products include poultry eggs, beef, fresh milk, dairy products, lamb, pork, sheep wool, etc.

Tourism is currently one of the fastest-growing industries in South Africa, accounting for 9% of the country's gross domestic product and employing 1.4 million people. Rich tourism resources and well-equipped facilities. Tourist destinations are mainly concentrated in the northeast and the eastern and southern coastal areas. Ecotourism and folk tourism are the two main growth points of South Africa's tourism industry. In 2010, the final round of the 19th FIFA World Cup was held in South Africa, which greatly boosted the tourism industry in the region. Affected by the COVID-19, the number of foreign tourists visiting South Africa in 2020 will be more than 2.8 million, a sharp decrease from 10.23 million in 2019 (according to the South African Bureau of Statistics). In 2022, it received nearly 5.7 million foreign tourists, and in 2023, it received over 8.5 million foreign tourists.

Transportation has the most complete transportation system in Africa, playing an important role in the economy of the country and neighboring countries. Mainly by railway and highway, air transportation has developed rapidly. In recent years, the construction of transportation infrastructure in urban areas and economic development zones has been strengthened.

Railway: The total length is about 34100 kilometers, of which 18200 kilometers are electrified railways. The annual freight volume is approximately 175 million tons. The luxury blue coach traveling from Pretoria to Cape Town enjoys an international reputation. The high-speed railway connecting the administrative capital Pretoria and Johannesburg Oliver Tambo International Airport was opened in August 2011, with a total length of approximately 80 kilometers.

Highways are divided into three levels: national, provincial, and local. The total mileage (including various levels of highways and streets) is about 755000 kilometers, including 16170 kilometers of national highways. The annual passenger volume is about 4.5 million people.

Water transportation: The maritime transportation industry is well-developed, with about 98% of exports completed by sea transportation. The main ports include Cape Town, Durban, East London, Port Elizabeth, Richards Bay, Saarland, and Moselle Bay. Durban is the busiest port and largest container hub in Africa, with an annual container handling capacity of 1.2 million.

Air freight: South African Airways is one of the largest airlines on the African continent. There are currently about 27 civil airports, of which 11 are international airports. The main international airports include Oliver Tambo International Airport (formerly Johannesburg International Airport), Cape Town International Airport, and Durban King Shaka International Airport.

The telecommunications and information technology industry in South Africa is developing rapidly. TELKOM, the South African telecommunications company, is the largest telecommunications company in Africa, and the two largest information technology companies, DIDATA and DATATEC, have established a presence in the UK and US markets. Its satellite live broadcasting and network technology level are highly competitive in the world, and South Africa's Mirad International Holdings (MIH) has monopolized the vast majority of satellite live broadcasting business in sub Saharan Africa. The software industry has also begun to move towards the international market.

As of August 2024, South Africa's total foreign exchange reserves amounted to 62.5 billion US dollars, with gold reserves of 9.5 billion US dollars. The South African Reserve Bank is the central bank of South Africa, founded in 1920. It is a joint-stock bank with significant independent decision-making power, except for the appointment of its president and deputy president by the government. Headquartered in Pretoria.

At present, there are 31 registered banks in South Africa, and 42 foreign banks have representative offices in South Africa. The four largest banks among them are Standard Bank, First Rand Bank, Amalgamated Banks of South Africa Group, and NedBank Limited. The total assets of the four major commercial banks mentioned above account for approximately 84.6% of the total assets of Nan Commercial Bank.

South Africa implements a free trade system and is a founding member of the World Trade Organization (WTO). The European Union and the United States are traditional trading partners of South Africa, but in recent years, trade with regions such as Asia and the Middle East has also been growing. The import and export volume of goods in South Africa in 2023 is 217.8 billion US dollars, including 110.5 billion US dollars for exports and 107.3 billion US dollars for imports.

The main exports include mineral products, precious metals and products, transportation equipment, etc. We mainly import mechanical and electrical products, mineral products, chemical products, and transportation equipment. In 2020, the top ten export destinations are: China, the United States, Germany, the United Kingdom, Japan, the Netherlands, Botswana, India, Mozambique, Namibia; The top ten import source countries are: China, Germany, the United States, India, Saudi Arabia, Nigeria, Thailand, Japan, Italy, and the United Kingdom.

Foreign capital mainly comes from Europe and America, especially Europe. Europe accounts for nearly 70% of the cumulative investment in South Africa, while the Americas account for nearly 20%. Foreign investment is mainly securities capital, with less direct investment (FDI). Most foreign companies with assets in South Africa invest in sectors such as mining, manufacturing, finance, oil processing, and sales. In 2013, South Africa received $8.3 billion in foreign direct investment, which sharply decreased from $5.8 billion in 2014 to $1.6 billion in 2015, $2.25 billion in 2016, $3.2 billion in 2017, $4.9 billion in 2018, and $4.6 billion in 2019. Due to the global economic recession caused by the COVID-19 epidemic, South Africa's attraction of foreign direct investment dropped to 3.1 billion US dollars in 2020. In 2023, South Africa will receive $5.233 billion in foreign direct investment, a decrease of 43.3%.

Since 1994, governments and international organizations have pledged to provide assistance to the South African government to support the "Reconstruction and Development Plan". The main aid countries include the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, etc. Multilateral organizations such as the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund have also provided assistance to South Africa. In recent years, aid to South Africa has begun to enter the new energy sector to support the Just Energy Transition Investment Plan.

South Africa is a middle-income country, but there is a wealth gap between the rich and the poor. Two thirds of the national income is concentrated in the hands of the wealthy, who account for 20% of the total population. Since 1994, the South African government has launched multiple social and economic development plans to improve the living conditions of impoverished black people by constructing housing, water, electricity, and providing basic healthcare services. In 1997, the "White Paper on Social Security" was formulated, which listed poverty alleviation and assistance for the elderly, disabled, and young as the focus of social welfare. In 2020, the average life expectancy was about 65.5 years. AIDS is one of the serious social problems facing South Africa at present. The AIDS infection rate is about 13% (estimated by Statistics South Africa in 2020). The COVID-19 began in March 2020. By January 2023, South Africa had accumulatively confirmed about 4.04 million cases, 102000 deaths and 38.03 million vaccinations.

The President is the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces. The highest national defense decision-making body is the National Security Council, which includes the National Defense Advisory Committee and the Ministry of National Defense. The Minister of National Defense represents the President in handling the daily affairs of the military. The Commander of the National Defense Forces presides over the operations, command, and military training of the entire army, appointed by the President. He is responsible to the Minister of National Defense in peacetime and directly leads the President during wartime. General Rudzani Maphwanya, Commander in Chief of the National Defense Forces. The South African National Security Forces include the Defence Force and the Police Force. The land, sea, and air forces of the National Defense Force were established in 1912, 1922, and 1920, respectively. After the establishment of the New South Africa, the defense forces from the apartheid era were merged and reorganized with some armed groups from the African National Congress, the Pan African National Congress, and the former Black Homeland National Liberation Organization, and their tasks were determined to safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity, fulfill international obligations, and assist in maintaining domestic security. In 1997, the compulsory military service system was changed to a voluntary military service system. The current total strength of the South African Defense Force is 79400, including approximately 54300 in the army, 8000 in the navy, 11100 in the air force, 6000 in the health forces, and 15000 in command agencies such as the Department of Defense and Veterans Affairs and the Joint Operations Command. The police force has 138000 personnel. Police Commissioner Fanny Masemola.

Due to the long-term implementation of racial segregation in the education system, black people have much lower educational opportunities than white people. In January 1995, South Africa officially implemented free compulsory education for children aged 7-16 and abolished textbooks from the apartheid era. The government continues to increase investment in education, focusing on reforming the curriculum design, education funding system, and higher education system. The education system is divided into five stages: preschool, primary school, secondary school, university, and graduate school. There are currently 23 public higher education institutions with 750000 students; 90 private higher education institutions with 35000 students; 150 continuing education and training colleges with 350000 students; There are 27850 primary and secondary schools with 12.14 million students. There are 366000 teachers nationwide. In 2015, the adult literacy rate was 94.4%, and the population with higher education accounted for about 9.1% of the total population. Famous universities include: University of Kingsoft, University of Pretoria, University of South Africa, University of Cape Town, University of Stellenbosch, University of Johannesburg, etc.

The number of regularly published newspapers and magazines ranks first in Africa. There are over 50 types of daily and weekly newspapers, as well as more than 200 provincial and local newspapers and over 600 types of magazines. The newspapers with large circulation include: Sunday Times (in English), Daily Sun (in English), Reportage (in Afrikaner), Soweto People's Daily (in English), City Daily (in English), Star Daily (in English), and Citizen Daily (in English). Among them, The Sunday Times, The Reporter, and The Sunday Independent are national newspapers.

The South Africa Press Association was once the only national news agency that was non-governmental and non-profit. It officially ceased operations at the end of March 2015, and its main business was replaced by the African News Agency, which replaced the radio and television stations under the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC). The radio station has a total of 18 domestic programs, broadcasting in 11 languages nationwide with 20 million listeners; The external program 'Africa Channel' broadcasts in four languages to foreign countries. The television station has four channels, including two public service programs and two commercial television programs. M-NET is the most influential pay TV channel in Africa.

New South Africa adheres to an independent and comprehensive foreign policy, advocating for maintaining and developing bilateral friendly relations with all countries on the basis of respecting sovereignty, equality, and mutual benefit. Active external exchanges and continuously improving international status. We have established diplomatic relations with 186 countries. Actively participate in the peace process in the Great Lakes region and the resolution of African hotspot issues such as Zimbabwe and North and South Sudan, strive to promote African integration and the construction of the African Union, and vigorously promote South South cooperation and North South dialogue. It is a member of international organizations or multilateral mechanisms such as the United Nations, African Union, Commonwealth, G20, etc. In 2004, it became the permanent seat of the Pan African Parliament. Served as a non permanent member of the United Nations Security Council from 2007-2008, 2011-2012, and 2019-2020. In December 2010, it was admitted as a member of the BRICS countries and hosted the 5th BRICS Leaders' Meeting in Durban in March 2013, the 10th BRICS Leaders' Meeting in Johannesburg in July 2018, and the 15th BRICS Leaders' Meeting in Johannesburg in August 2023. In November 2011, hosted the 17th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.