MARKET INTELLIGENCE TO BOOST BUSINESS GROWTH
Welcome to the highlights edition of the Sassda GPS eNewsletter, your go-to source for key developments shaping South Africa’s business, industrial, and economic landscape. This selection prioritises the top stories from the latest issues ensuring you stay ahead with the most current insights.
Enjoy the read!
MiningIndaba: The value of synergy between Africa’s mining and automotive sectors
Volkswagen Group South Africa MD Martiena Biene highlighted the symbiotic relationship between the mining and automotive industries at the 2025 Mining Indaba. She emphasised how raw material supply from mining underpins Africa’s automotive sector and its potential for sustainable growth...
South Africa’s energy and transport reforms could create 500 000 jobs - World Bank
The World Bank’s latest economic update indicates that South Africa could increase GDP growth by up to 3% in the medium term by addressing energy and freight logistics constraints. This could lead to the creation of approximately 500 000 new jobs...
South Africa aims to attract more private investment into infrastructure
South Africa’s National Treasury has announced plans to transform its approach to private-sector participation in public infrastructure projects. This includes developing a blended finance risk-sharing platform to build on its independent power-producer programme…
Government inaction seals ArcelorMittal’s fate
ArcelorMittal (Amsa) says it has no choice but to start winding down its long steel plants after failing to extract concessions from the government over the preferential treatment extended to competing scrap mills. These mills can purchase scrap steel at a 30% discount to international prices. The closure of Amsa’s steel mills continues the country’s prolonged deindustrialisation, which began in the 1980s. Amsa announced its plan to close its long steel business earlier this month but postponed the final decision pending discussions with the government…
New and cheaper type of diesel coming to South Africa
A collaborative project involving Sasol, Anglo American, and De Beers aims to produce a more affordable renewable diesel using bio-based feedstocks. This initiative, announced at the 2025 Mining Indaba, seeks to lower fuel costs and reduce environmental impact…
President Ramaphosa hints at New Energy Vehicle demand-side incentives
At SA Auto Week in Cape Town, President Cyril Ramaphosa acknowledged the local automotive industry’s need to adapt to increasing demand for new energy vehicles (NEV). He stressed the importance of South Africa remaining part of the global supply chain for EV's...
Cape Town has a taste for desalination
The City of Cape Town is seeking public input on its first permanent desalination plant in Paarden Eiland. This project forms part of the city’s New Water Programme (NWP) aimed at ensuring long-term water security in response to climate change and population growth…
The Small Business Ministry is a “waste of resources” and needs to be shut down
Speaking during a BizNews podcast Ann Bernstein, Executive Director of the Center for Development and Enterprise, critiques South Africa’s Small Business Development Department and its lack of measurable impact. She argues that billions of rand are being wasted on ineffective government-run programs, calling for a shift towards private sector involvement in small business support...
Renewable energy trading heats up in SA business circles
Renewable energy trading is gaining traction in South Africa, with businesses actively integrating clean power into commercial operations. Experts emphasise that while engineering plays a key role, financial and logistical aspects are crucial in making renewable energy a viable alternative...
World inflation is at risk of rekindling with Trump’s trade war
Moneyweb reports concerns over inflation risks due to escalating trade tensions between the US and China, following President Donald Trump’s renewed tariff threats. Economic analysts now question whether global disinflation can hold in the face of potential counter measures…
New Scaw steel mill to replace R4bn imports
Scaw Metals has invested R5-billion in the development of a new steel mill in Johannesburg, positioning the company to replace hundreds of thousands of tonnes of steel imports with locally manufactured products. The local manufacturer of long steel products, which competes with ArcelorMittal South Africa (Amsa) and many mini-mills and micro mills across the country, is likely to replace some R4bn worth of products that are
currently imported…
Good news for local business travellers
The Department of Transport has confirmed that low-cost airline Safair has been given 12 months to restructure its ownership to comply with aviation regulations. This decision ensures continued service while compliance issues are resolved...