Government Applauds Economic Growth, Youth Jobs and Global Readiness
Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni provided an update on the outcomes of Wednesday’s Cabinet meeting, touching on economic recovery, youth employment, international relations, and justice sector reforms.
According to Ntshavheni, Cabinet welcomed the latest GDP results showing 0.8% growth in the second quarter of 2025, compared to just 0.1% in the first quarter. The expansion was driven by improvements across eight sectors, including mining, manufacturing, and trade. Rising household spending, supported by easing inflation, was cited as further evidence of recovery.
Fitch Ratings’ decision to maintain South Africa’s long-term debt rating with a stable outlook was also noted. Ntshavheni said the affirmation reflected confidence in reforms under Operation Vulindlela Phase 2, which prioritises infrastructure in electricity, logistics, and water, helping reduce load shedding and improve freight performance.
On youth employment, the latest progress report on the Presidential Youth Employment Intervention (PYEI) showed over 5.64 million registrations on the National Pathway Management Network, surpassing its 5 million target. More than 1.9 million young people have accessed temporary work opportunities, with 234,000 of these created in the last quarter alone. Ntshavheni said this demonstrated steady gains in opening pathways to work and skills development for young people.
Internationally, South Africa is preparing for its participation in the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA-80) in New York later this month. President Cyril Ramaphosa will lead the delegation under the theme “Better together: 80 years and more for peace, development and human rights.” The country plans to advocate for multilateralism, sustainable development, and peaceful conflict resolution, with a focus on crises in the DRC, Sudan, and Palestine.
The Cabinet also welcomed the launch of the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry into corruption within the justice system, as well as progress by the Khampepe Commission on unresolved Truth and Reconciliation Commission cases. Additionally, it approved the release of the draft National Entrepreneurship Strategy and the Nedlac Bill for public consultation, both aimed at strengthening inclusive economic growth.
Key board appointments were confirmed, alongside an extension for the Director-General of Basic Education. Upcoming events include a 27 September Robben Island reunion for former political prisoners and a community outreach on 18 September in Mthatha.
Cabinet expressed condolences to families affected by recent tragedies and congratulated South Africans excelling globally in sport, science, and the arts.
According to Ntshavheni, Cabinet welcomed the latest GDP results showing 0.8% growth in the second quarter of 2025, compared to just 0.1% in the first quarter. The expansion was driven by improvements across eight sectors, including mining, manufacturing, and trade. Rising household spending, supported by easing inflation, was cited as further evidence of recovery.
Fitch Ratings’ decision to maintain South Africa’s long-term debt rating with a stable outlook was also noted. Ntshavheni said the affirmation reflected confidence in reforms under Operation Vulindlela Phase 2, which prioritises infrastructure in electricity, logistics, and water, helping reduce load shedding and improve freight performance.
On youth employment, the latest progress report on the Presidential Youth Employment Intervention (PYEI) showed over 5.64 million registrations on the National Pathway Management Network, surpassing its 5 million target. More than 1.9 million young people have accessed temporary work opportunities, with 234,000 of these created in the last quarter alone. Ntshavheni said this demonstrated steady gains in opening pathways to work and skills development for young people.
Internationally, South Africa is preparing for its participation in the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA-80) in New York later this month. President Cyril Ramaphosa will lead the delegation under the theme “Better together: 80 years and more for peace, development and human rights.” The country plans to advocate for multilateralism, sustainable development, and peaceful conflict resolution, with a focus on crises in the DRC, Sudan, and Palestine.
The Cabinet also welcomed the launch of the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry into corruption within the justice system, as well as progress by the Khampepe Commission on unresolved Truth and Reconciliation Commission cases. Additionally, it approved the release of the draft National Entrepreneurship Strategy and the Nedlac Bill for public consultation, both aimed at strengthening inclusive economic growth.
Key board appointments were confirmed, alongside an extension for the Director-General of Basic Education. Upcoming events include a 27 September Robben Island reunion for former political prisoners and a community outreach on 18 September in Mthatha.
Cabinet expressed condolences to families affected by recent tragedies and congratulated South Africans excelling globally in sport, science, and the arts.
