Protest and civil unrestSevere
Protest and unrest activity is very high and can disrupt cities and transport.
Country risk assessment ยท Africa
South Africa political and security risk assessment
South Africa carries a high level of political and security risk for business. It scores 58 out of 100 on the Zed Three World Threat Map (band 4 of 5), down 1 on last week and rising over the last 12 weeks. Last updated Nov 2, 2026.
58of 100
High
Band 4 of 5
▼ Down 1 on last week
Africa
South Africa
What is the political and security risk in South Africa right now?
South Africa carries a high level of political and security risk for business. It scores 58 out of 100 on the Zed Three World Threat Map (band 4 of 5), down 1 on last week and rising over the last 12 weeks.
Week on week the picture is little changed. The main standing risks are foreign government warnings, sustained lethal conflict, heavy reporting of armed violence and persistent protest activity.
On the economic side, real GDP grew 1.1% in 2025 with inflation at 3.2%.
What are the main risks of operating in South Africa?
Armed conflict and political violenceSevere
Sustained lethal conflict or armed violence is being reported.
Staff movement and duty of careGuarded
Foreign governments advise normal to increased caution.
What has changed recently in South Africa?
South Africa moved down 1 this week and rose 5 points over the last 12 weeks, from 53 to 58.
- Reporting of armed clashes and attacks down 18% week on week
What happens next? Outlook for the next 1 to 3 months
We assess it is likely that South Africa stays in the High band through the end of December. It sits 4 points from the Elevated band.
60 to 75%
0%50%100%
Likelihood ranges are editorial judgments, not advice.
What does it mean for shipping, supply chains and operations?
Ores and metals make up 30% of goods exports (2025 data), so mining regions and export corridors are the exposure to watch.
Trade equals 61% of GDP (2025 data). Map tier one and tier two suppliers here and hold buffer stock for critical inputs.
Operations need dedicated security support and contingency plans.
Key facts
GDPUS$427.2 billionLatest data, 2025
Real GDP growth1.1%Latest data, 2025
Inflation3.2%Latest data, 2025
Trade61% of GDPLatest data, 2025
Ores and metals30% of goods exportsLatest data, 2025
Population64.7 millionLatest data, 2025
How has the South Africa threat score moved?
Frequently asked questions
What is the political and security risk in South Africa for business?
South Africa carries a high level of political and security risk for business. It scores 58 out of 100 on the Zed Three World Threat Map (band 4 of 5), down 1 on last week and rising over the last 12 weeks.
What are the main geopolitical risks of operating in South Africa?
The main risk drivers are protest and civil unrest (severe); armed conflict and political violence (severe); staff movement and duty of care (guarded). Protest and unrest activity is very high and can disrupt cities and transport.
What is the outlook for South Africa?
We assess it is likely (60 to 75%) that South Africa stays in the High band through the end of December. It sits 4 points from the Elevated band.
How often is the South Africa risk assessment updated?
The South Africa threat score is updated weekly on the Zed Three World Threat Map, and this assessment is reviewed monthly. It was last updated Nov 2, 2026.
Related country assessments
Published by Zed Three, a private, independent risk intelligence company. Assessment last updated Nov 2, 2026. Threat score updated weekly, last on Nov 2, 2026. General analysis for informational purposes, not security, legal or investment advice.
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