Any thoughts of South Africa making an entirely fresh start in 2023 after what was a difficult 2022 were quickly snuffed out. Not only has there been ongoing loadshedding, but many of the other hangovers from last year remain ever-present, including the obvious signs of infrastructure decay and a difficult political climate, through to horrific mafia-style hits and ugly racism. Losing this growth- and energy-sapping baggage will be vital if South Africa hopes to make a real dent into its extreme jobless, poverty and inequality rates.