South Africa's ascension into the BRICS club of emerging economies raised some eyebrows internationally, but there is no doubt that the country has the credentials to back its membership.
Perhaps the foremost advantage South Africa is able to offer its BRIC partners is access to 1 billion consumers living in Africa, as well as the vast mineral and agricultural opportunities the continent offers.
When the sun rises over Durban's Indian Ocean coastline in November, the world's eyes will be firmly centered on the city as the world gathers for the 17th United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC COP 17).
The parties to the convention have met annually from 1995 in Conferences of the Parties (COP) to assess progress in dealing with climate change.
SAA is expanding its global route network with growth planned for routes to Beijing. Award-winning airline South African Airways (SAA) is planning to introduce a thrice-weekly service to Beijing, China by the end of October 2011.
Building the case for South Africa
Winning the bid would present opportunities for global R&D and future investment. Staring at the stars could be one of South Africa's smartest investments, if the country's bid to host the world's largest radio telescope, the Square Kilometer Array (SKA), is successful.
The history of the Square Kilometer ArrayScience and technology in South Africa have taken an impressive leap forward over the past decade. This is due, in no small part, to government efforts to secure the development of the Square Kilometer Array (SKA) project for South Africa.
Winning the bid would present opportunities for global R&D and future investment. The Square Kilometer Array (SKA), is successful.