In April 1994, the victory of Nelson Mandela's ANC party (African National Congress) in South Africa's first post-apartheid elections heralded a promising new era in the country's history. Mandela, an icon of the struggle against the apartheid regime, and his successor, Thabo Mbeki, have since worked to right the wrongs of the past.
One of the most daunting tasks they faced was reintegrating the economy into the global scene while narrowing its crippling social and economic inequalities.
In this huge ongoing process of economic transformation, South Africa has undeniable advantages. The country has an advanced infrastructure. Its roads and ports are the best on the African continent, and provide quick and easy access to the local market as well as excellent links to the rest of southern Africa. Telecommunications networks are extensively developed and reach all areas of the country. Mobile communications are particularly efficient and have seen spectacular growth in recent years. FULL STORY
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Still leader of the pack
With over a century of history and experience under its belt, Reunert is successfully serving local and international markets by managing a number of businesses in the electronics and low-voltage electrical engineering sectors.
Founded in 1888, the group started as an importer and distributor of industrial equipment within South Africa. Since then, it has undergone many changes, remaining strong throughout its constant evolution.
In 1997, company CEO Gerrit Pretorius spearheaded a restructuring program that changed the company into a focused, competitive organization committed to supplying value-added products, systems and solutions in various sectors. FULL STORY
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 Reunert Group Chief Executive Gerrit Pretorious |
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South Africa
Area: 1.22 sq. km
Population: 40 million (adjusted 1996 census figures)
Capital: Pretoria
Currency: South African rand (ZAR)
Average exchange rate: $1=11.7
Total GDP: $140 billion
GDP growth rate: 2.2 percent (2001 IMF forecast)
GDP per capita: $3,250
Inflation rate: 5.7 (2001)
Unemployment rate: 30-40 percent
Total exports: $23.0 billion (2001)
Total imports: $19.7 billion (2001)
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Top five imports (% of total): Equipment & machinery (17.9%), Mineral fuels & oils (13%), Electrical equipment & machinery (10%), Motor vehicles (4.4%), Optical equipment (3.7%)
Top five exports (% of total): Minerals & precious stones (34%), Iron & steel (8%), Mineral fuels & oils (8%), Motor vehicles (5.5%), Equipment & machinery (5%)
Main export markets:US, Britain, Japan, Germany
Main import markets: Germany, US, Britain, Japan
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 Source: Statistics SA
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South Africa is funnelling its wealth of natural resources into more value-added products for international markets.
