Deputy Minister Moraka met with Iranian Deputy Minister Dr Khatibzadeh to discuss ways to strengthen relations between South Africa and Iran. The discussions are expected to have implications for international relations, according to IOL.

According to Uganda Business News, the ongoing global geoeconomic volatility, influenced by the second Donald Trump presidency and conflicts in the Middle East, has accelerated China's shift in trade and investment strategies in Africa, which began in 2019. This shift, centered in Hunan Province, has led to the development of the "Hunan Model" as a more sustainable alternative to the previous "Angola Model" focused on infrastructure and resource extraction.

UNAIDS Executive Director Winnie Byanyima has called on the United States to rethink its decision to reduce HIV/AIDS funding for South Africa, emphasizing that this reduction could have severe consequences in a country facing the highest HIV burden globally. Her remarks were made in advance of the UN High-Level Meeting on HIV/AIDS in New York, highlighting concerns over the potential impact of withdrawing support.

South African households are experiencing a two-year high in inflation, reaching 4.5%. This increase in prices is attributed to the ongoing US-Israeli conflict with Iran, which is impacting the economy.

The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) is advocating for a review of aviation taxes and an economic boycott of South Africa. This initiative arises amid increasing operational costs faced by Nigerian airlines and broader concerns regarding sustainability in the industry, alongside renewed xenophobic attacks in South Africa that have sparked criticism from Nigerians.

In early May 2026, anti-immigrant protests occurred in major South African cities, raising concerns about rising xenophobia in post-apartheid South Africa. President Cyril Ramaphosa urged citizens to show solidarity with their African neighbors, while foreign governments expressed their discontent. Police were deployed to manage the situation and prevent violence during the demonstrations, which featured participants in traditional Zulu attire, as seen in Johannesburg on April 29, 2026.