The Democratic Alliance (DA) pointed out that the country’s third quarter GDP performance is impetus to urgently accelerate the economic reforms South Africa needs, with ActionSA saying the agriculture and farming sectors appear to have been abandoned by the Government of National Unity (GNU).

South Africa’s GDP decreased by 0.3%, following an increase of 0.3% in the second quarter.

The agriculture, forestry and fishing industry decreased by 28.8%, contributing -0.7 of a percentage point to the negative GDP growth. This was primarily owing to decreased economic activities reported for field crops.

The transport, storage and communication industry decreased by 1.6%, contributing -0.1 of a percentage point. Decreased economic activities were reported for land transport and transport support services.

The trade, catering and accommodation industry decreased by 0.4%. Decreased economic activities were reported for wholesale trade, motor trade and food and beverages.

The DA has written to President Cyril Ramaphosa to table the immediate interventions needed, to make possible the right economic reforms for growth.

DA national spokesperson Willie Aucamp said the party wants action on rail, ports and that the competitive energy market must be accelerated and implemented immediately.

The reform must also look at investment in energy infrastructure projects and water supply infrastructure investment, for water supply security and certainty.

Meanwhile, ActionSA Member of Parliament Alan Beesley pointed out that while government could not control drought or adverse weather, policy uncertainty and failing infrastructure, poor project management, and lack of extension services are wreaking havoc on the agricultural economy, leaving millions of South Africans jobless and without an income.

Beesley said the GNU has promised “rapid, inclusive, and sustainable growth,” however, he highlighted that ActionSA’s GNU Performance Tracker showed otherwise.

“To align with developing countries and sub-Saharan African peers, ActionSA demands a minimum benchmark of 3% annual GDP growth. Anything less leaves South Africans falling further behind,” he stated.

He pointed to the country’s economic challenges, which he said were daunting but not insurmountable.

“ActionSA remains committed to advancing solutions that foster economic growth, job creation, and prosperity for all South Africans. The time for excuses is over. The GNU must choose progress over stagnation – or risk being remembered as the government that failed its people,” added Beesley.