Investments by businesses in rooftop solar will ease pressure on SA’s most productive sectors

In Q3, SA’s two most productive sectors, mining and manufacturing, remained under pressure. Manufacturing fell -1.2% and mining by -1.6%. If Q3 consumer spending also turns negative, overall GDP for the quarter will decline, and this weakness could persist into the first half of 2024. A cut in interest rates and reduction in load shedding could help to stimulate the economy. This year, businesses have registered about 317 rooftop solar projects with Nersa, which, with residential rooftop solar investment, should help to address Eskom’s supply shortages next year.