South Africa’s economy contracted for the first time in nearly two years, with GDP falling 0.2% in the second quarter of 2026.

The downturn was driven by weakness across key sectors, including mining, manufacturing and trade. Mining output declined 3%, while manufacturing contracted 1.8% for its third consecutive quarterly decline. Trade also fell 1.9%, ending six consecutive quarters of growth.

Investment declined for a second straight quarter as businesses and public corporations reduced capital spending. The economy also shed 345,000 jobs during the quarter, while unemployment remained above 33%.

The slowdown comes as South Africa faces a politically sensitive period ahead of local government elections in November. Opposition parties are expected to target the government over weak growth, unemployment and rising living costs.

Economists now expect annual growth of around 1.2% to 1.5%, below the government’s earlier target.


South Africa Economy Crisis | GDP Contracts 0.2% As Jobs, Investment Take Hit

A group of illegal miners within a closed mine in the North West province of South Africa have been refused access to basic supplies as part of the government's declared campaign against illicit mining, and the government claims it will not assist them.

South Africa Weighs Rescue Mission For Underground Miners

<p>A bus crash in Limpopo province, South Africa has claimed at least 20 lives, news agency AFP reported, citing a local transport official.</p>

<p>Spokesperson for the Department of Transport and Community Safety in Limpopo Vongani Chauke told AFP news agency that the bus had been shuttling staff from the Venetia Diamond Mine, operated by De Beers, when it crashed in the north of the country.</p>

<p>"The bus came into collision with a lorry," Chauke said, and added that the crash took place around 1600 UTC, some 25 kilometers (15 miles) from the mine, near Musina, which is close to the border with Zimbabwe.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;At least 31 killed after Jade mine landslide in Myanmar</strong></p>

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<p>Details surrounding the cause of the collision are not yet known.</p>

<p>The Venetia mine is the largest diamond mine in the country, accounting for more than 40 percent of South Africa's annual diamond production, and employing more than 4,300 people.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/perus-deadliest-mining-accident-in-more-than-two-decades-claims-27-lives-590039">Peru's deadliest mining accident in more than two decades claims 27 lives</a></strong></p>

<p>South Africa ranks highly when it comes to road infrastructure on the African continent, however it also has a questionable road safety record.</p>

<p>Each year thousands of people are killed on the country's roads.</p>

<p>South Africa's Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) said in May that 12,436 people were killed on the country's roads between January 2022 and December of the same year.</p>

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A bus crash in Limpopo province, South Africa has claimed at least 20 lives, news agency AFP reported, citing a local transport official. Spokesperson for the Department of Transport and Community Safety in Limpopo Vongani Chauke told AFP news agency that the bus had been shuttling staff from the Venetia Diamond Mine, operated by De Beers, when it crashed in the north of the country.

A bus crash in Limpopo province, South Africa has claimed at least 20 lives, news agency AFP reported, citing a local transport official. Spokesperson for the Department of Transport and Community Safety in Limpopo Vongani Chauke told AFP news agency that the bus had been shuttling staff from the Venetia Diamond Mine, operated by De Beers, when it crashed in the north of the country. "The bus came into collision with a lorry," Chauke said, and added that the crash took place around 1600 UTC, some 25 kilometers (15 miles) from the mine, near Musina, which is close to the border with Zimbabwe. Also watch | At least 31 killed after Jade mine landslide in Myanmar × Details surrounding the cause of the collision are not yet known. The Venetia mine is the largest diamond mine in the country, accounting for more than 40 percent of South Africa's annual diamond production, and employing more than 4,300 people. Also read | Peru's deadliest mining accident in more than two decades claims 27 lives South Africa ranks highly when it comes to road infrastructure on the African continent, however it also has a questionable road safety record. Each year thousands of people are killed on the country's roads. South Africa's Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) said in May that 12,436 people were killed on the country's roads between January 2022 and December of the same year. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

South Africa bus crash kills at least 20 mine staff: Reports

South Africa, a country which is living in the shadow of one of South Africa’s largest coal-fired power stations has made residents of Masakhane fear job losses if the facility is closed as the country moves to cleaner energy.

Why South Africans fear a switch to clean energy?