- UN reports highlight ongoing conflicts in Sudan, Haiti, Myanmar, South Sudan, and Ukraine.
- Leaders addressed various geopolitical issues on September 22, 2026, including Iran, Ukraine, Myanmar, Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Organized Crime Threatens South Africa's Economy, Compared to Myanmar and DRC
What happened
President Cyril Ramaphosa stated that organized crime is the most immediate threat to South Africa’s economy and society. A public inquiry revealed collusion between gangs, officials, and senior police, placing South Africa among the most vulnerable countries to mafia predation, alongside Myanmar and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Illicit activities, such as bootlegged cigarettes and illegal mining, have negatively impacted the country’s recorded GDP.
From nrc.nl
Why it matters
Business leaders view organized crime as a greater concern than power cuts. The growth of illicit businesses and extortion mafias creates economic instability. Illegal mining alone knocked 0.8% off recorded GDP in 2024, highlighting the direct financial strain caused by these criminal trends.
Leaders recently addressed various geopolitical issues, including Iran, Ukraine, Myanmar, Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, amid ongoing conflicts highlighted by UN reports.
From nrc.nl
Who's involved
- MyanmarA country cited as having a high level of mafia predation.
- Democratic Republic of the CongoA country cited as having a high level of mafia predation.
- Cape TownA city in South Africa where organized crime is a major concern.
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The entities involved
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Myanmar
country in Southeast Asia
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Democratic Republic of the Congo
country in Central Africa
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Cape Town
city in the Western Cape, South Africa
Related events
- In Cape Town, Cyril Ramaphosa addressed economic challenges in South Africa and committed to a peaceful Middle East solution during an event hosted by a Chief Rabbi.
- Johannesburg and Cape Town are currently competing to secure major budget status.
- Major South African urban centers, including Johannesburg, Cape Town, and the Western Cape, are facing scrutiny over severe infrastructure decay and past governance models.
- Cyril Ramaphosa advocates for economic reform agenda while speaking at a symposium in Cape Town.
- Crime rates are extremely high in Khayelitsha, a dangerous precinct within Cape Town, South Africa, which is known as a major murder hotspot.