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South Africa: pick-up in Q4 GDP masks underlying weakness

South African Q4 GDP surprised on the upside but, 2009 aside, the economy still grew at its slowest pace for well over a decade last year. The drag from the mining sector is likely to ease over the coming quarters and a weaker rand should provide some support to manufacturers. But even so, growth is likely to remain extremely sluggish. Against this backdrop there is a growing risk of an escalation of social tensions.

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