Guest: Joe de Beer, DDG for Economic Statistics – Stats SA

South Africa’s economy is growing but just barely. Stats SA’s latest numbers show real GDP edged up 0.5% in Q3 2025, marking a fourth straight quarterly rise despite pressure from U.S. trade tariffs and ongoing domestic constraints.

Mining led the charge driven by platinum group metals and other minerals while agriculture and trade & accommodation continued their solid runs. Even long-struggling construction turned positive, if only slightly. On the spending side, households kept buying especially cars and investment finally picked up again after months in decline.

But not all indicators are flashing green. Electricity, gas and water contracted sharply, and despite the resilience, growth still falls well short of the 3% needed to meaningfully turn unemployment around. With year-to-date GDP averaging around 0.5%, economists warn that 2025 will likely print under 1% overall. Kaya FM

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