Introduction

There's been a very definite change in attitudes towards South Africa over the past year. While a number of foreign banks have had offices in the country for some time, overseas banks and investors have been falling over themselves to increase their presence in and exposure to South Africa over the past 12-18 months.

A quick look at the markets gives a clear picture as to why. As a major producer of gold, the country has benefited from the sharp rise in gold prices over the past year, with gold