Sara-Jayne Makwala King7 May 2025 | 11:28

Can South Africa's economy bounce back? (by Prof Bonang Mohale)

South Africa's economy is struggling with big problems like high unemployment, crumbling infrastructure, and a struggling energy sector. Can it get better?

Can South Africa's economy bounce back? (by Prof Bonang Mohale)

Picture: © kagenmi/123rf.com

CapeTalk's Clarence Ford is joined by Professor Bonang Mohale, Chancellor of the University of the Free State and Professor of Practice at the Johannesburg Business School (JBS).

Listen below:

It has been a tough few years for South Africa's economy, compounded by widespread unemployment and inequality, crumbling infrastructure, and a struggling energy sector. 

Adding to this challenge is the current trade policy coming from the United States under President Donald Trump.

"What the president of the United States 2.0 has done is to substantially increase uncertainty not only in the Americas but in the world."
- Professor Bonang Mohale, Johannesburg Business School

But the answer to South Africa's economic woes lies right on our doorstep, suggests Mohale.

"Here's where the opportunity is. Africa has 1.4 billion people, the same as China, the same as India."
- Professor Bonang Mohale, Johannesburg Business School

The potential turnaround will come from harnessing the opportunities for trade and growth offered by our neighbours, he says.

"Let's do trade amongst ourselves."
- Professor Bonang Mohale, Johannesburg Business School

Scroll up to listen to the full interview