The BER, a proud economic research institute of Stellenbosch University

RECENT EVENT 2025 May | Navigating Change: The GNU

We recently hosted a full-day conference on 6 May 2025 in Johannesburg, exploring the broad sweep of South Africa’s economic landscape. The discussions included an update on the domestic economic outlook, an analysis of political-economy risks related to the Government of National Unity (GNU), and an examination of the Trump administration’s intentions toward South Africa. The second half of the programme, featured a deep dive into phase two of Operation Vulindlela. We examined the progress being made with municipal and water reforms and showcased some of the latest research in this field. An exciting lineup of speakers listed below addressed various topical issues. BER Clients can download the presentations available.

A fiscal anchor for South Africa

RESEARCH NOTE: The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has recommended that South Africa adopt fiscal rules, and the National Treasury has committed to a process of consultations on fiscal rules, and to release a discussion by the end of March 2025. This research note explores what fiscal rules are and whether they could improve South Africa’s fiscal sustainability and fiscal credibility. It highlights guiding principles and considerations for fiscal rule design and outlines a possible fiscal rule to initially stabilise debt followed by a debt reduction phase.


Another setback for the GNU, but oil markets breathe a little easier

BER Weekly | 27 June

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After plunging from -6 to -20 index points during the first quarter of 2025, the FNB/BER Consumer Confidence Index (CCI) recovered some lost ground, rebounding to -10 in the second quarter.

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Business Confidence Index
Consumer Confidence Index
Purchasing Managers' Index
Building Confidence Index
Civil Confidence Index

In the second quarter of 2025, the confidence reading in Other Services fell to 45, below its long-run average again. While the Other Services survey has been relatively upbeat over the last year, boosted by interest rate easing, a more stable government, and a robust tourism season, many of these factors started to fade during the survey period. This weighed on activity and eroded confidence in this sector.

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Economic Forecast

The official announcement of the top three economists of the 2024 BMR/Unisa Economist of the Year Competition took place at an awards ceremony on 19 June 2025 in Pretoria. The top three economists of 2024 include two joint winners and one runner-up.

Read our latest economic forecast.

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The release calendar will be updated each quarter. Please note that these dates may change.

Wednesday
4 June 2025

RMB/BER Business Confidence Index (BCI)

Monday
9 June 2025

FNB/BER Building Confidence Index

Wednesday
18 June 2025

Absa Manufacturing Survey

Thursday
26 June 2025

FNB/BER Consumer Confidence Index (CCI)

Monday
23 June 2025

Other Services Survey

Thursday
19 June 2025

Retail Survey

Monday
30 June 2025

FNB/BER Civil Confidence Index

Wednesday
2 July 2025

Inflation Expectations Survey

Thursday
3 July 2025

Building Cost Report (BCIS)

The first working day of each month

Absa PMI

The first working day of each month

Update

The first week of each month

Trends

Every Friday

BER Weekly

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The BER Economist Internship Programme provides practical training to appropriately qualified previously disadvantaged individuals. The programme equips trainees to function as economists in the private and/or the public sector.

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