Mail & Guardian
Mail & Guardian

Elna Moolman

latest news & developments
Long reach: Unemployment is no longer a standalone crisis. It is increasingly tied to weak growth, declining living standards and persistent poverty. Photo: March to March
CONSTRUCTION SECTOR JOB LOSSES

SA recovery remains mainly jobless

The country lost 345 000 jobs in the first quarter of 2026 as unemployment climbed to 32.7%, exposing the gap between economic stabilisation and meaningful employment growth

  • Hasina Kathrada
7 min read
South Africa accounts for 54% of all exports to the US under Agoa — a trade law which gives eligible African countries duty-free access to the US market for thousands of products including clothing, agricultural goods, crafts and manufactured items.
AFRICA

South Africa-US trade faces uncertain future as Agoa renewal stalls

Business and economic leaders warn that diplomatic tension, tariffs and shifting global alliances could shape whether the country remains part of the renewed agreement

  • Nkateko Joseph Mabasa
6 min read
BARNARD JACOBS MELLET SECURITIES

Energy crunch could cut economic growth

South Africa’s power crisis may already have damaged economic growth, even though the country’s mines have bounced back after electricity shortages brought production to a halt.…

  • Stella Mapenzauswa
3 min read