economiclatest news & developments
Formal-sector employment declined by 14 000 in the second quarter of 2026, while full-time positions fell by 40 000, according to Statistics South Africa’s Quarterly Employment Statistics (QES).
QUARTELY

Manufacturing and full-time jobs drive 14 000 decline in Q2 employment

Formal-sector employment fell by 14 000 in the second quarter of 2026, while full-time positions declined by 40 000, according to Stats SA’s Quarterly Employment Statistics.

  • Yogashen Pillay
4 min read
South Africa’s PayInc Economic Index rose 0.8% month on month in August, following a revised 0.6% increase in July
PAYINC

South Africa’s economic activity strengthens in August, index shows

South Africa’s PayInc Economic Index rose 0.8% month on month in August, but economists warned that fuel-price pressures, weak investment and uncertainty could constrain growth.

  • Yogashen Pillay
3 min read
Dr Nik Eberl is the founder and executive chair: The Future of Jobs Summit™ (Official T20 Side Event). He is also the author of Nation of Champions: How South Africa won the World Cup of Destination Branding.
GDP

Stop trying to rescue yesterday’s economy: start building tomorrow’s

South Africa’s economy contracted by 0.2% in the second quarter of 2026. The challenge, argues Dr Nik Eberl, is not only to repair existing industries but to scale new sectors…

  • Dr Nik Eberl
5 min read
South Africa’s new-vehicle sales rose 11.4% year on year in August 2026, while strong growth in new-energy vehicle sales pointed to growing consumer interest in lower running costs.
NEW VEHICLE SALES

August vehicle sales surge as South Africans focus on fuel efficiency

South Africa’s new-vehicle sales rose 11.4% year on year in August 2026, while strong growth in new-energy vehicle sales pointed to growing consumer interest in lower running…

  • Ashley Lechman
4 min read
In a critical moment for South Africa's economy, the Government Business Partnership (GBP) has launched Phase 3, aiming to surpass the 3% growth threshold and create one million jobs by 2030.
ECONOMIC RECOVERY

Phase 3 of South Africa's Government Business Partnership: transforming stabilisation into growth

In a critical moment for South Africa's economy, the Government Business Partnership (GBP) has launched Phase 3, aiming to surpass the 3% growth threshold and create one million…

  • Dr Clarence Tshitereke
6 min read
Ferran Torres after his World Cup heroics with Spain. The writer questions why South Africa, who hosted the Fifa World C doesnt tap into its huge sport revenue to create jobs. | AFP
JOB CRISIS

Sport could be South Africa’s next great jobs engine

South Africa can draw lessons from global examples to address the urgent need for economic growth.

  • Dr Nik Eberl
5 min read
Standard Bank CEO Sim Tshabalala
BANKS

Standard Bank CEO: South Africa’s growth depends on African integration

Sim Tshabalala, CEO of Standard Bank, discusses the importance of South Africa's economic integration with the rest of Africa, highlighting the bank's strong financial…

  • Edward West
4 min read