0.1% Economic Growth: BOSA calls on President to consider our Growth Charter as economy treads water

Today’s GDP growth figures released by Statistics South Africa (StatsSA) for Q1:2025 are troubling, as the economy has expanded by a paltry 0.1% in the past three months.

Despite what those in government try to spin, the data shows that South Africa’s economy is stagnant and failing to deliver meaningful growth, job creation, or improved livelihoods under the Government of National Unity (GNU).

It is worth noting that despite the cessation of loadshedding in the past year, the economy has grown at only 0.8% over the past 12 months. The systemic and deeply entrenched barriers to growth extend far beyond energy shortages and power cuts.

Build One South Africa (BOSA) reiterates our call for urgent and bold economic reform to shift the country from stagnation to growth. We believe that our recently launched Growth Charter for South Africa represents the most credible and practical roadmap to achieving 5% annual economic growth.

The Growth Charter is a comprehensive reform agenda focused on sector-specific interventions to unlock jobs, investment, and innovation across the economy. It focuses on the following key areas:

• Energy: Ensuring a stable and sustainable power supply
• Transport and Logistics: Fixing ports, roads, and rail to improve competitiveness
• Digital Infrastructure: Expanding broadband access and enabling a digital economy
• Agriculture: Boosting rural development through high-value, scalable agricultural value chains
• SMME Development: Cutting red tape and supporting small business growth
• Labour Market Reform: Making it easier to hire, upskill, and retain workers
• Public Sector Reform: Building an efficient, ethical, and citizen-centred state

If the President and his Cabinet are serious about inclusive economic growth and the creation of sustainable jobs, they must take the Growth Charter seriously.

BOSA formally calls on the President to engage the Growth Charter and incorporate its proposals into the GNU’s economic agenda.

South Africa cannot afford another lost quarter. The time for bold reform is now.