Why South Africa’s mining sector is stuck, and what needs to change

Stephen Grootes speaks to Bongani Motsa, senior economist at the Minerals Council South Africa about how unlocking investment through regulatory reform and stronger partnerships with government is key to revitalising South Africa’s mining sector.

Listen to the interview in the audio player below.

South Africa’s mining industry still has huge potential, but it’s being held back by red tape, slow government processes and day-to-day operational problems.

That’s the message from Minerals Council South Africa (MCSA) CEO Mzila Mthenjane, speaking at the 2026 Mining Indaba in Cape Town.

Mining is a big deal for the country. It supports almost 900 000 jobs and helps put food on the table for about 3.6 million people. 

When mining grows, the economy grows too. But for that to happen, companies need to invest, and they’ll only do that if the rules are clear, fair and competitive with other mining countries.

Speaking to Stephen Grootes on The Money Show, Bongani Motsa, MCSA's senior economist says if government and business work together, the mining sector can attract investment, create jobs and benefit ordinary South Africans.

"It's a sector that's got a lot of potential, and that's our message really. It's a sector with so much potential in terms of its contribution to the fiscus. In terms of its contribution to employment creation."

- Bongani Motsa, senior economist - MCSA

"The issue of policy and regulatory certainty is one key issue. Miners need a stable and predictable policy environment. It's not just a miners issue. That's what all investors would be crying for."

- Bongani Motsa, senior economist - MCSA

"General infrastructure issues. From electricity, to rail and port efficiencies. Those are quite key ingredients for the sector to realise its potential." 

- Bongani Motsa, senior economist - MCSA

Scroll to the top of the article to listen to the full interview.