South+Africa+Infrastructure+Projects

=South Africa Likely Seen as Gateway into Southern Sub-Sahara=

Executive Summary:
South Africa's infrastructure projects are likely to increase due to the ability to access many Sub-Saharan countries through South Africa. China and South Africa have been trading partners for a long time and will continue to have a great alliance. This is mainly due to the stability and advancements that South Africa posses in order to gain access to other Sub-Saharan countries through South Africa. China uses many of the Ports on the South African coast as gateways into other countries as well as supply points for their investments in other countries. A multi-billion dollar investment by China's shipping company, Chery recently agreed upon to build a repair dock at the Richards Bay port in South Africa.

Discussion:
The recent investment by China's Wesizwe's in the Bakubung Mining project has led to other infrastructure projects by the company including water supply in Ledig, Mahobieskrall, and Matooster to help cope with the current water issues in the local areas. This is currently a process to build ties with the community to eventually build a water reservoir for a future water supply.Many Chinese companies such as China Ocean Shipping Company (COSCO) and First Automotive Works (FAW) use South Africa as a strategic shipping port. South Africa has planned on conducting infrastructure projects worth USD 95 billion between 2012-2015, and has invited Chinese firms to take part in these projects.

Analytic Confidence:
Analytic confidence for this assessment is medium. Source reliability ranges from medium to high. There is no conflict between sources. The analyst had low expertise, worked alone, and did not use structured analytic methods. The subject is moderately complex and the deadline was easy to meet.

**Analyst:** Sean Dailey sdaile35@lakers.mercyhurst.edu