Because the South African rand is a weaker currency — running about 20 to a U.S. dollar — running studies in South Africa costs a fraction of what it does in the United States.

The S&P Global South Africa Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) rose to 50.8 in May from 50.0 in April, indicating growth for the first time since November 2024. A PMI reading above 50 indicates ...