South Africa

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.

Gunvor loses pole position in bid to buy Shell service stations

The Anglo-Dutch giant no longer seems keen on selling its South African assets to the Swiss trader, despite the latter's continuining enthusiasm to move forward on the deal.

The Central Energy Fund publishes misleading annual report

The CEF, the parent company of the heavily indebted PetroSA, posted an unexpected net profit in 2024-2025. Yet this figure masks countless structural difficulties.