According to African Economic Outlook (AEO), although front pages of print media and TV breaking news on Africa, continue to be about i) state capture and corruption; ii) endemic poverty and rising unemployment of despondent youth; iii) bad governance and election malpractices; iv) the rise of rebellions and the proliferation of small arms; and v) massive deaths resulting from terrorism and violent extremism; in 2017 Africa maintained steady advances in trade and regional integration.

Thursday 30 March 2017 should be construed as a critical juncture in the history of a democratic South Africa. Regardless of the size or effect of an event or cause, critical junctures typically generate persistent paths of political development. As it is known by now, President Jacob Zuma made significant changes to the composition of the country’s executive leadership with the axing of five cabinet ministers. Notable in the cabinet reshuffle was the dismissal of the minister of finance Pravin Gordhan and his deputy Mcebisi Jonas. The replacement of the minister of finance with home affairs minister Malusi Gigaba and the new deputy minister Sifiso Buthelezi triggered upheaval from many quarters of society.

South Africa has made concerted efforts in the past two decades to promote economic growth and address its triple domestic economic challenges of unemployment, inequality and poverty. Facilitating greater trade, investment and industrialisation is a key part of this strategy. Over this period, South Africa’s economic relations with its BRIC (Brazil, Russia, India and China) counterparts has featured prominently, particularly given the phenomenal trade growth experienced with these countries since 2000. The experience has not been solely positive for South Africa as significant structural challenges remain in the trading relationship. South Africa should look to build on the now well established political platform of the BRICS to promote better economic relations with its members, which could assist in addressing urgent domestic socioeconomic challenges.