National Security News

Reporting the facts on national security

National Security News

Linda van Tilburg

Ramaphosa must strike urgent deal with Trump “if it wants to survive,” says leading analyst

If the ANC wants to survive in South Africa, it must conclude a deal with the Trump Administration.

Things could get a lot worse for South Africa than targeted sanctions and tariffs, says leading think tank

The Trump administration actions against South Africa could escalate significantly and include a range of tools that the US might employ if the ANC fails to enact substantive change.

Critical minerals scramble is Africa’s once-in-a-generation opportunity, says resource expert

We’ve cracked open the possibilities for deals between countries, which could be highly positive for Africa. However, we also need to remain vigilant, as some of the more negative scenarios could actually exacerbate conflict.

“Rebel groups in Africa have better equipment than SANDF,” says defence analyst as precarious state of Air Force is revealed

South Africa’s defence capabilities have reached a critical low raising serious concerns about the nation’s ability to defend itself, protect its 3,000 km coastline, manage its land borders, and provide regional stability.

South African political influencer groups expand ‘rage bait’ tactics across Africa

The year-long ISS study found that key figures in South Africa’s influence industry were engaged in transnational coordinated campaigns.

Washington think tank calls for sanctions against ANC officials for ‘treating the US like an enemy’

Current measures against South Africa are insufficient to alter the country’s hostile treatment of the U.S. Meservey calls for sanctions against ANC officials.

US punitive measures against South Africa “could impoverish the middle class” 

If the US imposes tariffs on South African vehicle exports, agricultural products, or other measures, “the rand will tank, inflation will rise, [and] we will have to respond with higher interest rates. There’s nothing that impoverishes a middle class like high interest rates, says Dr. Piet Croukamp.

Trump’s Greatest Fear: China’s ascending competitiveness in technology

A significant driver of Trump’s doctrine is China’s growing economic power and its increasing competency in technology according to political analyst Dr. Piet Croukamp

South Africa to abandon ‘disastrous’ DRC mission, withdraw troops

The deployment of South African troops in the DRC was “a total disaster and totally unsustainable,” according to defence analyst Kobus Marais.

War panic in Europe can lead to war, cautions leading LSE communications expert

Professor Cammaerts cautions that history has taught us that if you prepare for war to achieve peace, you get war.