South Africa is bracing for a potentially disappointing economic growth reading this morning, with second-quarter GDP expected to show the economy stagnated or contracted. Rising fuel costs, weak mining activity, renewed geopolitical tensions and subdued consumer spending are adding to the pressure.

The National Briefing · Sep 8, 2026 · 4m

South Africa is bracing for a potentially disappointing economic growth reading this morning, with second-quarter GDP expected to show the economy stagnated or contracted. Rising fuel costs, weak mining activity, renewed geopolitical tensions and subdued consumer spending are adding to the pressure. This puts the country’s fragile growth recovery under renewed scrutiny. What does this weaker economic outlook mean for South African households?

Guest: Dr Mzwanele Ntshwanti - macroeconomist and Senior Researcher at the Institute for Economic Justice