TOP BUSINESS TOPICS
Political and Global Business Context
US Trade : President Cyril Ramaphosa addressed the South Africa-US Trade and Investment Dialogue in New York and reaffirmed South Arica’s commitment to strengthening trade and investment relations with the United States. This follows a series of high-level engagements in New York n the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly. Discussions focused on opportunities from South Africa’s economic reforms, with US companies showing interest in sectors like energy, manufacturing, and technology. Writing in his weekly newsletter to the nation, the President said recent discussions underscored that South African and US businesses remain deeply connected, with partnerships expected to grow well into the future.
G20 and B20 summits: South Africa, as the G20 president in 2025, hosted the 11th G20 Parliamentary Speakers’ Summit (P20) from September 29 to October 3. Business issues were also under discussion through the Business-20 (B20) forum, which provides recommendations to the G20 presidency on global economic matters.
Business conditions in South Africa‘s private sector improved for the fifth month running in September, buoyed by a rise in output and new orders, S&P Global reported ness conditions improve slightly: According to an S&P Global report, South Africa’s Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) showed a mild improvement in September, rising for the fifth consecutive month. The positive momentum was driven by higher output and new orders, and an easing of cost pressures. However, business expectations for the year ahead fell to their lowest level in over four years, citing concerns over economic and political uncertainty. The uptick in activity was underpinned by a sustained easing of cost pressures, with input prices rising at their slowest rate in nearly a year.
Economic policy debate: Columnists debated the ANC’s newly adopted economic recovery plan, with one suggesting it is the party’s “last dice” to arrest the deindustrialisation of South Africa’s metals sectors.
Energy and Infrastructure
South Africa’s biggest energy challenge is its reliance on an ageing, coal-heavy utility fleet and a constrained national grid. To ensure a just transition, we must urgently add reliable, clean capacity that balances social and environmental priorities.
This challenge presents a major opportunity: unlocking South Africa’s world-class renewable resources through innovative business models and grid expansion. By attracting private capital, diversifying offtake markets and accelerating decarbonisation, we can drive sustainable development.
The country’s energy transition continues to be a central topic. Experts highlighted the challenge of moving away from an aging, coal-heavy fleet and a constrained national grid. The business community is focused on the opportunities presented by renewable energy, commercial and industrial procurement, and the future Wholesale Electricity Market.
Richards Bay gas plant setback: The Supreme Court of Appeal overturned the authorization for Eskom’s planned Richards Bay gas-to-power plant, prompting the country to re-evaluate its strategy for gas-fired power.
Business Practise and Consumer Issues
- Pension fund complaints surge: The Pension Fund Adjudicator’s annual report showed a 13% rise in complaints linked to the new “two-pot” pension system. The increase highlights ongoing challenges with the new system’s implementation and issues in pension fund governance.
- Local sugar industry: The trade union federation COSATU called on South Africans to buy locally grown sugar to protect local jobs in the sugar industry.
- Gaming sector growth: The potential for the gaming industry to serve as a significant driver of economic growth in South Africa was highlighted.
- Corporate governance and leadership: The South African Journal of Business Management published a special collection examining corporate governance practices and responsible leadership in emerging economies.