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It’s easy to get depressed about the future of our country when you listen to the knuckleheads in Parliament, but the truth is South Africa isn’t getting flushed down the banana republic toilet just yet.

In fact, there are plenty of reasons why we are still one of the most desirable places in the world to live and invest in. Yes, there are uncertainties, but we don’t have to define our country based on where we are right now. This is after all the country that did the first heart transplant and gave the world Madiba.

We endure, and if you listen to some CEOs of well-known listed companies, they will tell you that there is more to South Africa than Steve Hofmeyer and Julius ‘I drank all the Oros’ Malema.

A very enlightening article in Moneyweb recently reported on a discussion with the theme “Navigating times of uncertainty”, and even if the gloom seems particularly gloomy today, here are 10 reasons why South Africa is still in the game.

Hot emerging market

South Africa’s market has been gaining momentum in recent years thanks in large part to its strategic location and abundant natural resources. Yes, Gweezy is a human obstacle, but our resources will thankfully still be here long after he shuffles off the comrade coil.

The country did pretty well in various categories of the World Economic Forum’s Global Competitiveness Index, has an established manufacturing base, and is the second most attractive country on the African continent, according to Ernst and Young’s Africa Attractiveness Index.

Most diversified economy in Africa

South Africa is the leading service destination, regional manufacturing hub, and most industrialised country in Africa. Our finance, real estate, and business services sectors have grown to be significant contributors to gross domestic product (GDP).

Largest presence of multi-nationals on the African continent

South Africa is not just a tourist location of choice. Global corporates also enjoy the benefits of doing business in the country, with its growing and supportive ecosystem as a hub for innovation, tech, and fintech. The country’s strategic location at the tip of Africa makes it the ideal entry point into the rest of the continent, a potential market of more than one-billion consumers.

Progressive constitution and independent judiciary

Our progressive constitution and independent judiciary may have taken some hits from dodgy comrades, but it’s still standing strong. It has a mature, accessible legal system, providing certainty and respect for the law. The Protection of Investment Act, 2015 came into effect in 2018 and specifically provides domestic legal protection to foreign investors in South Africa.

Favourable market access to global markets

South Africa has several trade agreements that provide an export platform into global markets, and the African Continental Free Trade Area will boost intra-Africa trade and create a market of more than one billion people with a GDP of $2.6 trillion that will unlock industrial development and boost intra-Africa trade.

Abundant natural resources

The country remains the world’s top producer of minerals such as platinum, rhodium, chrome, manganese, and vanadium, and also has significant deposits of base metals such as iron, copper, and nickel, along with coal and natural gas. Additionally, it has abundant sunshine, which can be harnessed for solar energy.

Advanced financial services and banking sector

South Africa has a well-developed banking sector, including a large stock exchange and advanced bond and equity markets. The central bank oversees macro- and micro-prudential policy, and South Africa ranks well in raising finance through equities and the soundness of banks.

World-class infrastructure and logistics

It might seem like everything is crumbling, but South Africa still has advanced infrastructure, including sophisticated road and rail networks and information and communications technology (ICT) infrastructure, making it an attractive investment destination for logistics, software, and other creative industries.

A young talent pool

Unlike many other countries in Europe and Asia, South Africa has a young population, with the majority under 35 years old, and world-class universities producing a skilled workforce. A significant number of people have completed some form of post-school qualifications, with a large pool of trainable labour and government support for skills development.

Excellent quality of life

South Africa offers an excellent quality of life, including a favourable cost of living, diverse culture and cuisine, and a range of leisure activities. The country has world-class facilities for hospitality, transportation, and telecommunications, with high-quality healthcare and education systems. South Africa also boasts a favourable climate for outdoor and leisure activities.

We are sure that most of you can list a hundred issues with all of the above points, and that’s why we would like to add one more reason why South Africa is still the place to be.

You

The foundations of this country weren’t laid by a political party or some big oke who thought he knew better. This country was liberated from dark times, both recently and long ago, by the people who call it home. Yes, the ANC has stuffed the country somewhat, but people like you told apartheid to take a hike, and you still care for your neighbours even when the state hides behind ignorance. We’re more than just a government.

Every time the world thought we were on the verge of destruction, we proved them wrong, and with middle fingers raised to the naysayers, we have managed to build the crown jewel of Africa.

You remain South Africa’s most precious resource.

[source:moneyweb]