Pressure & Potential SA Industry at a Crossroads
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 selection of the best articles from the last quarter, aims to extend access to this quality content by prioritising the top stories from the latest issues…
Enjoy the read!
SA Unlocks $1.5BN World Bank Loan for Infrastructure Fix
South Africa has unlocked access to a $1 billion global green industrialisation fund aimed at accelerating decarbonisation across manufacturing and heavy industry. The fund will be used to finance clean energy adoption, emissions reduction tech, and sustainable production lines. With ESG benchmarks tightening globally, this fund gives local firms a powerful tool to future-proof operations and remain globally competitive. It also signals investor belief in South Africa’s industrial reinvention story..
Ramaphosa’s Infrastructure Drive Attracts R238bn in Pledges
President Ramaphosa’s campaign to rebuild South Africa’s infrastructure base continues to gain traction, with R238 billion in new pledges from both domestic and international players. The funds target housing, rail, water, and green energy, creating the kind of fiscal stimulus needed to reignite growth. For businesses across the value chain from steel to cement to logistics, the pipeline is looking promising..
CSIR Powers Up SA’s Additive Manufacturing Future
In a first for South Africa, the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) has successfully produced stainless steel powder for additive manufacturing. This paves the way for locally made components in aerospace, automotive, and medical sectors that are traditionally reliant on imported materials. The breakthrough reduces costs, boosts self-sufficiency, and could catapult SA into the global 3D printing value chain…
Ramaphosa Calls for Urgent Diversification in Response to Tariffs
President Cyril Ramaphosa issued a strong response to Trump’s tariff escalation, calling it a “code red” moment for South Africa’s economic strategy. He urged companies and government teams to fast track diversification of export markets and reduce overdependence on single trade partners. The message was clear: geopolitical disruptions are the new norm, and resilience will depend on agility and strategic pivoting. Analysts see this as a call to rethink industrial policy and accelerate investment into emerging African, Asian, and Latin American trade corridors...
SA Secures Access to $1BN Green Industry Fund
South Africa has unlocked access to a $1 billion global green industrialisation fund aimed at accelerating decarbonisation across manufacturing and heavy industry. The fund will be used to finance clean energy adoption, emissions reduction tech, and sustainable production lines. With ESG benchmarks tightening globally, this fund gives local firms a powerful tool to future-proof operations and remain globally competitive. It also signals investor belief in South Africa’s industrial reinvention story..
US Tariff Shock Hits SA Steel and Aluminium Exporters
South African steel and aluminium producers are now officially in crisis mode. The U.S. decision to double tariffs has blindsided exporters, pushing already razor-thin margins into the red. Companies now face immediate disruptions in shipments, rising warehousing costs, and declining
demand. Many warn of potential layoffs and plant closures if the situation drags on. This policy shift has also exposed South Africa’s vulnerability to global policy whims, underscoring the urgent need for regional trade diversification and local value chain strengthening…
Trade Talks Resume Between SA and US
South Africa has announced new support measures to help local businesses absorb the impact of a 30% U.S. tariff set to take effect this week. The response includes financial assistance and temporary relief from certain competition regulations. At the same time, the government rejected claims that the tariff hike was linked to its affirmative action policies, which U.S. President Donald Trump has openly criticised..
Rail Plan Revealed to Boost Logistics Sector
South Africa’s freight and logistics crisis may finally be getting the attention it needs. Environment Minister Barbara Creecy announced a national rail recovery strategy aimed at overhauling outdated systems, slashing delivery delays, and cutting transport costs. Industry players say this is essential for reducing overreliance on trucking and improving competitiveness in mining, agriculture, and manufacturing. If executed, the plan could help restore faith in South Africa’s logistics backbone and strengthen export performance...
Global risks, local stakes: Can SA deliver at the G20?
As South Africa prepares to host the 2025 G20 Summit, the first ever held on African soil, there’s an undeniable weight of symbolism. The summit is a chance to showcase South Africa’s leadership and ability to broker international solutions. However, the true challenge lies in transforming this historic moment into tangible outcomes – outcomes that are credible, measurable, and actionable...
Southern Farms Mega City: Joburg South’s R100bn Game-Changer
An ambitious new mega development is underway in Gauteng’s south: Southern Farms, backed by R100 billion in investment. The plan includes 30 000 homes, schools, industrial hubs, and commercial spaces, making it one of the largest integrated urban projects in the country’s history. It’s a signal of investor confidence in SA’s urban-industrial future and a model for public-private partnership delivery…
Government Reveals 2025/26 Infrastructure Priorities
South Africa’s infrastructure development blueprint for 2025/26 includes seven major projects focused on energy, water, and transport. These span from smart grid upgrades and desalination plants to border crossing energy corridors and port logistics expansions. The government aims to crowd in private investment and use these anchor projects to jumpstart industrial revival and job creation…
Trump’s 30% Tariffs Threaten SA Auto Industry
In a major blow to South African exporters, U.S. President Donald Trump announced sweeping 30% tariffs on all SA goods entering the U.S, a move that threatens to wipe out billions in automotive trade. With car manufacturers deeply integrated into U.S. supply chains, local producers now face
the risk of mass retrenchments, production slowdowns, and even shutdowns. The industry is scrambling to assess alternate markets while lobbying government to intervene. This is a pivotal moment for one of SA’s most globally integrated sectors...