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Of course it makes the headlines - who wouldn't be intrigued by the honeymoon murder of Anni Dewani - the police investigation, the looming extradition battle, and even the blizzard of speculation, prejudice and bluster from the likes of

I was in Cape Town recently and got an earful from the lawyer representing Zola Tonga - the driver who has already begun an 18-year prison sentence after confessing to a role in an alleged plot to kill Ms Dewani.

"Insulting, demeaning... unpatriotic drivel," was the gist of William Da Grass's opinion of the often-breathless media coverage of the murder investigation, the state of Cape Town's prisons, and its judicial system. "I'm surprised British people come here on holiday... if that's the way they view us."

But let's put this in perspective. When it comes to South - and southern - Africa's reputation abroad, I suspect this one unusual murder - regardless of who did it - will have almost no impact, long or short-term.

Vastly more important image-wise - and every other "wise" - and notably absent from most headlines, is this week's in Cape Town - an annual chance for the global heavyweights of the industry to assess the state of South Africa's investment climate, amid growing concerns about and the government's often stated, but often questioned, commitment to resist calls for the nationalisation of the

Then there's Zimbabwe - with some companies talking of a turn-around, but with an election pending and

Africa may be basking in its new reputation for economic growth, and the diamond industry may be talking up a post-recession bounce in the luxury market, but the mining industry here is.

One of the biggest players weighed in today, urging the government to avoid "the road to ruin" and calling for In a country that depends so heavily on mineral wealth the government needs to get this right.

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