Statement:
In Spain scientists published more significant scientific articles than in South Africa

In the Citatable Scientific Publications rating Spain holds position #12 ²⁰²¹ out of 206 and South Africa is #31 out of 206 ²⁰²¹.
Position of Spain is better than position of South Africa.

Referencies:

1. Citatable Scientific Publications ²⁰²¹ by Scimago Journal & Country Rank

   The countries in the rating sorted by 'Citable documents' in descending order.

   South Africa	'Citable documents' value is	30,360
   Spain	'Citable documents' value is	113,361