South Africa

Vitol representative eyes Shell service stations

Local company Vesquin Trading is taking a keen interest in Shell's network of some 600 service stations in South Africa. However, its ambitions will have to get past the Competition Commission of South Africa.

Post office administrators give up on rescue plan

Anoosh Rooplal and Juanito Damons wrote to their line minister on 13 March, warning that they were ending efforts to save the institution. The consequences for its employees, customers and its subsidiary, Postbank, will be severe.

Cyril Ramaphosa takes his time to appoint new ambassador to France

Since the sudden death of diplomat Nathi Mthethwa on 30 September 2025, the post of South African ambassador to France has been vacant. A new ambassador is not expected to arrive for another several months.

Army's unreliable access to Island View fuel reserves poses security risks

A parliamentary report presented on 27 February warns of the South African army's difficulties in accessing fuel stored at the Island View terminal in the port of Durban. This situation raises "systemic risks" to national security.

PetroSA shaken by distributor Tholo Energy's legal defeat to tax authorities

A recent decision by the Constitutional Court of South Africa has undermined the legal arguments of the state oil and gas company in its dispute with the South African Revenue Service, in which more than a billion rand are at stake.

PetroSA closer to appointing new interim CEO

New candidate in the running to replace Sesakho Magadla as interim chief executive. The latter's arrival was widely criticised internally.

The New Guard
Nigeria, Madagascar, South Africa

Every Wednesday, Africa Intelligence spotlights a new generation of movers and shakers in business and politics.

NigeriaNathan Nwachuku, the Abuja drone-maker

MadagascarOcéane Ranjeva, a Gen Z lynchpin

South AfricaWesley Hayes, voice of the Mandelas

Imminent arrival of conservative activist US ambassador set to ruffle feathers in Pretoria

New to the field of diplomacy, Leo Brent Bozell III, the new US ambassador, will arrive in Pretoria this week. The appointment of this American conservative comes amid tensions between the two countries.

Business France organises a defence and cybersecurity forum in Gaborone

After showcasing French military industry companies in Pretoria in 2025, Business France is continuing its efforts with a second event in March, geared towards southern Africa.

Rand Refinery hesitating over golden opportunity in Accra

The continent's leading gold refinery has signed a partnership agreement with Ghana's Gold Coast Refinery, a subsidiary of Egypt's Euroget. However, the South African group fears that by collaborating with it, it will lose its industrial mining customers in Ghana.

PetroSA keeps BGN and two other suppliers waiting for payment

The state-owned oil company purchased seven cargoes of diesel from BGN, Addax Energy and National Pride Energies in 2025, but is struggling to meet its financial obligations.

France due to invite Cyril Ramaphosa to G7 in Evian

The South African president is expected to be on the guest list for the summit chaired by France, which will be held from 14 to 16 June 2026 in Haute-Savoie.