South Africa central bank governor sees upside risk to inflation outlook

International pressure on South Africa has eased now that the Russian leader will attend the BRICS summit via video link only. The decision leaves ties between the only African nation in the alliance and Russia intact.

Riad Salameh held the post for 30 years, but is now wanted in several European countries for alleged financial crimes. One of his vice-governors will temporarily take over.

The number of rhinos killed by poachers at Kruger National Park dropped by half as part of a downward trend nationwide. But authorities said demand for illegal rhino horn persists.

South Africa's historic appearance in the 2023 World Cup knockouts is the latest milestone for women's football. The success needs to be matched by off-field investment.

Julius Malema, leader of South Africa's left-wing Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) party, has faced criticism after singing a controversial chant that native South Africans sang during the fight against apartheid. But did he call for white genocide?

Leaders of the BRICS group of emerging economies meet in Johannesburg as divisions between the founding members about the bloc's future appear to emerge. Thirty-eight Senegalese nationals are repatriated after a migrant boat drifts off Cape Verde. And Zimbabwe gears up for presidential elections amid economic hardship.

The health and cost-of-living crises has disproportionately affected the poor and women in developing Asia, hurting their chances of long-term improvement.

The annual meeting (24-26 August) hosted by the US Federal Reserve will be closely watched, especially Federal Reserve chair Jerome Powell on Friday. While the policy of raising interest rates to lower inflation is no longer in doubt, observers will be watching out for clues as to when the US central bank might consider lowering rates again. The Federal Reserve has repeatedly stressed the importance of reaching the 2 percent inflation target.

At least 63 people were killed and 43 injured in a fire in the central business district of South Africa's biggest city of Johannesburg on Thursday, the municipal government said.

On 17 August 2023, popular protests over the high inflation rate and deteriorating economic situation in Syria erupted in the Druze majority city of Al-Suwayda, with hundreds of participants. These grew, and by 20 August, thousands of protesters chanted slogans demanding the downfall of Assad regime.

A bus carrying employees from a diamond mine in Limpopo reportedly collided with a lorry. Road safety is a critical challenge in South Africa, despite the country's advanced road infrastructure.

At the same time the global economy was forecast to do slightly better in 2023. But the effects of tight monetary policy are expected to be felt for a while yet.