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. Each month we distribute this popular market intelligence aggregator to an exclusive database of members and associates. This magazine edition aims to extend the access to this quality content by prioritising the top stories from the latest issues to ensure that you stay ahead with the most current insights.
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Eskom Must Be Given ‘Space’ to Pursue Renewables Strategy
Eskom CEO Dan Marokane has appealed for the utility to be given operational freedom as it rolls out its renewable energy strategy. The plan, part of South Africa’s Just Energy Transition, is intended to support vulnerable communities while modernising the country’s power grid. Marokane clarified that Eskom is not seeking to dominate the space, but rather to complement private sector efforts. This shift will create new infrastructure needs - many of which align with the use of stainless steel in transmission and generation systems.…
Tariff Fallout: Auto Sector Still Faces 55% Duty Threat
Despite some relief from US reciprocal tariffs, the automotive industry still faces steep duties of up to 55% if broader trade hostilities resume. A 25% tariff already applies to cars and parts, key export items for South Africa. Business Leadership SA’s Busisiwe Mavuso has warned that global supply chain risks remain high, especially for manufacturers tied to international markets.….
South Africa Eyes Formal Trade Deal After US Tariff Pause
Trade Minister Parks Tau has confirmed that South Africa has been removed from the US reciprocal tariff list, providing a short-term reprieve for exporters. However, base tariffs on steel-intensive sectors such as automotive remain. The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition is now advancing talks on a formal trade deal with the US to secure long-term access and avoid future disruptions. This could directly affect the export viability of stainless steel components in vehicles and industrial products....
Exxaro’s R11.67bn Manganese Acquisition Marks Major Diversification Move
Exxaro Resources, South Africa’s largest coal producer, has announced a landmark R11.67 billion acquisition of key manganese assets, including stakes in the Tshipi Borwa and Mokala mines located in the Northern Cape’s Kalahari Manganese Field. This strategic move aligns with Exxaro’s Sustainable Growth and Impact strategy, aiming to diversify its portfolio beyond coal and into critical minerals essential for the green economy. Manganese plays a vital role in steel production and is increasingly important in battery technologies. By leveraging its expertise in open-pit mining and beneficiation, Exxaro positions itself to become a significant player in the global manganese market, contributing to South Africa’s prominence in supplying this critical resource....
70 000 Jobs at Risk as South Africa Faces Looming Gas Crisis
South Africa is heading toward an energy shock that could destabilise key sectors and cost 70 000 jobs. The threat stems from declining gas supplies from Mozambique, which could run dry by 2026. Without a replacement strategy, major industrial operations reliant on natural gas may be forced to scale down or shut operations. The knock-on effect would be severe, with 5% of GDP and a significant portion of energy-intensive manufacturing at stake. This unfolding crisis is a stark reminder of the country’s need to future-proof its energy mix and the stainless steel sector must prepare for both disruption and opportunity in the energy transition.contributing to South Africa’s prominence in supplying this critical resource.…
Is Infrastructure the Lifeline of South Africa’s Government of National Unity?
As South Africa enters a new phase of political cooperation under a Government of National Unity (GNU), infrastructure has taken centre stage. In his State of the Nation address, President Cyril Ramaphosa did not mince words, stating that basic services in many towns and cities are failing. Roads remain unrepaired, power and water cuts are common, waste removal is inconsistent, and raw sewage flows through residential streets. These realities underscore the urgent need for infrastructure renewal if the GNU is to succeed in its mandate. For the stainless steel industry, this signals a period of potential demand as essential projects in transport, energy and sanitation come into focus.
South Africa Approves First Renewable Energy Masterplan
The South African Cabinet has adopted its first Renewable Energy Masterplan - a pivotal policy framework aimed at transitioning the economy away from coal, which currently accounts for 85% of electricity generation. The plan outlines strategies to build domestic industries around solar, wind and battery technologies, while also emphasising job creation and local economic benefits. This shift opens new avenues for stainless steel in renewable energy applications, from structural components to corrosion-resistant systems.…
New Steel Mills Could Reboot Industry, Save Jobs
Simon Norton of the International Zinc Association is calling for partial subsidies to build new steel mills in South Africa - arguing this could revitalise the domestic steel and stainless steel sectors, protect jobs, and support local production. With several older plants under threat and rising import pressure, new mills would strengthen supply chains and help meet growing demand across construction, energy and transport.…
World Bank and South Africa Unveil R55bn Plan to Revitalise Cities
South Africa has secured a substantial R55-billion funding agreement with the World Bank to address urban infrastructure decay across eight major cities, including Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban. The initiative will finance upgrades to critical services - water, electricity, sanitation and waste management - while introducing performance-based incentives to improve municipal accountability. For industry players, especially in construction and materials, this initiative signals a substantial increase in infrastructure demand and spending....
Creecy Unveils Private Sector Role in Revitalising Rail and Port Infrastructure
Transport Minister Barbara Creecy has launched a Request for Information to draw private-sector participation into South Africa’s rail and port revival. Years of neglect have crippled logistics efficiency, affecting everything from mining exports to industrial deliveries. The proposal aims to attract investment into high-impact upgrades, which could unlock export competitiveness and stabilise supply chains across steel and stainless steel markets...