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South Africa’s GDP contracted by 0.2% in the second quarter of 2026, while July mining production fell sharply. Manufacturing showed a modest recovery, but business confidence slipped to 38 in the third quarter as pressure on the economy persisted.
GDP

Sunday's economic review: Growth slows as mining slump deepens

South Africa's economy just shrank. Is worse still coming? We review the week that was.

  • Ashley Lechman
  • Yogashen Pillay
5 min read
The rand strengthened, producer and consumer inflation eased, and the average food basket became cheaper in August. But looming fuel increases and subdued salary growth mean household relief may be limited.
PPI

Sunday Review: Inflation eases and food basket costs fall, but fuel hikes loom

The rand strengthened, inflation eased and the food basket fell in August, but higher fuel costs and weak salary growth may limit household relief.

  • Ashley Lechman
  • Yogashen Pillay
6 min read
Stats SA Consumer Price Inflation (CPI) on Wednesday indicated a decrease for the first time in July since February, with inflation having been increasing for the last four months, attributed to rising fuel and global oil prices caused by the Middle East tensions. Economists have welcomed the decrease in inflation.
INFLATION

South Africa's inflation sees first decline in five months amid easing fuel prices

Consumer Price Inflation in South Africa has decreased to 4.3% in July 2026, marking the first decline in five months. Economists and government officials welcome this…

  • Yogashen Pillay
4 min read
The City of Johannesburg.
UNEMPLOYED YOUTHS

What South Africa’s economic headlines told us this week

Weak economic growth, pressure on manufacturing and rising unemployment continue to weigh on South Africa, although July payment data points to some resilience in the economy.

  • Ashley Lechman
  • Yogashen Pillay
5 min read