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The article focuses on the political, economic, social, technological, legal, and environmental (PESTLE) structure in South Africa. It states that the falling industrial output and high rates of inflation are hindrance to its economic growth. It says that the governance for information and communication technology (ICT) has been stricter under the King Code and Report on Governance for South Africa launched in March 2010. Moreover, the social welfare system of the country has been reinstated.

Presents the outlook for South Africa for 2004-2005, including information on the political outlook, economic policy outlook, international relations and other related topics. Discussion on the New National Party's Marthinus van Schalkwyk's intention to join African National Congress; Information about the resignation by F.W. de Klerk from New National Party; Information on the investigation in parliamentary travel scam; Information on the reconfirmation of the economic policy by the government.

Probes into the domestic economy of South Africa as of 2004. Developments in the land reform of the country; Support given by Old Mutual, a London-listed South African financial services company, to Nedcor; Focus of the Ministry of Minerals and Energy on the encouragement of private sectors to build new power stations and to try to develop a wholesale market where electricity is traded between the generators and the state distributor; Continuous work on the refinement of the Mineral and Petroleum Royalty Bill.

Probes into the economic policy of South Africa as of 2004. Social welfare projects and increase infrastructure as the economic policy priority; Reliance on the Expanded Public Works Programme for the boost on job creation; Decrease on the sale of the state's asset; Policy on black economic empowerment strategy.

South Africa: Current Issues and U.S. Relations Congressional Research Service Summary Over a decade after the South African majority gained its independence from white minority rule under apartheid, a system of racial segregation, the Republic of South Africa is firmly established as a regional power. With Africas largest Gross Domestic Product (GDP), a diverse economy, and a government that has played an active role in the promotion of regional peace and stability, South Africa is poised to have a substantial impact on the economic and political future of Africa. The country is twice the size of Texas and has a population of almost 50 million, of which about 80% is African and 10% white. Its political system is regarded as stable, but South Africa faces serious long-term challenges arising from poverty, unemployment, and AIDS. President Thabo Mbeki resigned in September 2008 and was replaced by interim President Kgalema Motlanthe. South Africas next elections are scheduled for April 22, 2009. The African National Congress (ANC), which led the struggle against apartheid, has dominated the political scene since the end of apartheid, controlling the presidency, over two-thirds of the National Assembly, all nine provinces, and five of the nations six largest cities. Jacob Zuma, elected as head of the ANC in December 2007, is expected to be the partys choice for president after the 2009 national elections, despite a series of unresolved corruption charges. While the ANC continues to enjoy widespread support in South Africa, the partys dominance may be tested in the upcoming elections by the emergence of a breakaway party, the Congress of the People (COPE), which was created in response to the ANCs inter-party divisions that led to Mbekis resignation. South Africa has the largest HIV/AIDS population in the world, with almost six million South Africans reportedly HIV positive. The former Mbeki Administrations policy on HIV/AIDS was controversial. The country has weathered a series of corruption scandals, and continues to struggle with high crime and unemployment rates. Mounting social tensions related to the competition for jobs, resources, and social services led to an eruption of xenophobic violence against immigrants in mid-2008. The government and the private sector have undertaken a wide variety of construction and infrastructure projects in preparation for the upcoming 2010 soccer World Cup. South Africa has benefitted from steady economic growth in recent years, although economists predict weaker growth prospects for the near future. South Africa is considered to be one of the United States two strategic partners on the continent, along with Nigeria. Bilateral relations are cordial, however, the U.S. and South African administrations have expressed differences with respect to the situations in Zimbabwe, Iran, and Iraq, and U.S. officials have articulated frustration with the South African government on positions it took while serving on the United Nations Security Council. This report will be updated as events warrant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]