Rhino poaching continues to be a critical issue in South Africa, with the country being home to more than 80% of the world’s remaining rhino population. The illegal trade in rhino horns, fueled by demand in Asian countries where it is believed to have medicinal properties, has continued to thrive, despite efforts to curb it.
South Africa and Singapore enhance economic cooperation On May 16th, 2023, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa received Singapore’s Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong in an official visit to Cape Town. This meeting aimed to strengthen the existing economic partnership between the two countries and explore new opportunities for collaboration.
As a regional power and a member of the BRICS bloc, South Africa is facing a challenging position as it attempts to navigate the complex global dynamics between the West, particularly the United States, and the BRICS countries. The country must delicately balance its relationships with both sides while also promoting its national interests.
At the second Employment Working Group (EWG) held in Port Alfred, South Africa, BRICS countries were encouraged to increase trade amongst themselves to promote economic growth within the bloc. ## Highlighting the Discrepancy in Trade
The South African government has been concerned about the possession and trade of illegal cigarettes and prohibited medication for a long time. Recently, the government has taken proactive measures to crack down on this illicit trade. The Johannesburg arrests serve as an example of the efforts made to combat the illegal trade of these products.
