Politics and the economy are unavoidably interlinked to one another. With the end of the apartheid era almost all EU and US sanctions against South Africa were lifted. Despite an economic growth of 3% in the year 2003, South Africa has remained relatively quiet. Tension, negatively effecting the economic situation in the country, is created as a result of political and social problems including unemployment, crime, corruption, the effects of HIV/Aids and educational differences.  The government is trying to reduce these tensions through extensive redistribution policies such as the so-called Black Empowerment Programmes, which support the upliftment of the Apartheid disadvantaged population groups (blacks, coloureds, women and the disabled).   Factors addressed by the government to support economic growth are as follows:   Improvement of housing conditions and educational development for black persons Improvement of public transport and communication networks Improvement of insurance schemes (no social security systems are in place for any citizens)   Further information is available on:   The current South African taxation structures Import regulations for products and goods brought into the country Investment possibilities in South Africa  Furthermore we can inform you on the country’s governmental structures.   Should you require further information on the development of South Africa, please look under the section “South Africa – History”.    Please visit:   Customs Government Investments Taxes