South Africa's consumer confidence rises despite economic uncertainty, survey shows

Polity Audio Articles · Sep 17, 2026 · 1m

South Africa's consumer confidence rises despite economic uncertainty, survey shows

South Africa's consumer confidence improved in the third quarter, a survey showed on Thursday, although consumer spending is expected to remain subdued in the coming months due to uncertainty stemming from the war in the Middle East.

The consumer confidence index, sponsored by First National Bank (FNB) and compiled by the Bureau for Economic Research, improved to minus 13 points from minus 19 in the second quarter.

The Middle East conflict, which is now in its seventh month, has put pressure on South African…