Key Takeaways
- South Africa is entering the festive season with renewed economic optimism despite ongoing global and domestic challenges.
- The country has achieved several key milestones in 2025, including hosting the first-ever G20 Leaders’ Summit on African soil and convening the inaugural National Convention of the National Dialogue.
- Recent growth figures, including 0.5% GDP growth in the third quarter of 2025, point to a country on a recovery path.
- The IMF has lifted its growth forecast to 1.3% for 2025 and 1.4% for 2026, reflecting the resilience of the economy and the impact of structural reforms.
- South Africa’s recent credit rating upgrade by Standard & Poor’s is a strong signal of renewed investor confidence in the country.
Introduction to the Festive Season
Deputy President Paul Mashatile says South Africa is entering the festive season with renewed economic optimism, despite ongoing global and domestic challenges. In his Christmas message to the nation, Mashatile reflected on several key milestones achieved in 2025, including South Africa hosting the first-ever G20 Leaders’ Summit on African soil and convening the inaugural National Convention of the National Dialogue. These developments, together with improving economic indicators, point to a country on a recovery path. As the year comes to a close, South Africans are preparing to celebrate Christmas, and the Deputy President urged citizens to reflect on the importance of unity and shared values.
Economic Growth and Resilience
Mashatile highlighted recent growth figures as a sign of resilience in the economy. “South Africa recorded 0.5% GDP growth in the third quarter of 2025, marking the third consecutive quarter of expansion. The IMF has lifted its growth forecast to 1.3% for 2025 and 1.4% for 2026, reflecting the resilience of our economy and the impact of structural reforms,” he said. This growth is a positive sign for the country, indicating that the economy is on the right track. Additionally, South Africa’s recent credit rating upgrade by Standard & Poor’s – the first in 20 years – is a strong signal of renewed investor confidence in the country. This upgrade is a significant milestone, as it demonstrates that the country’s economic reforms are bearing fruit.
The Importance of Unity and Shared Values
As South Africans prepare to celebrate Christmas, the Deputy President urged citizens to reflect on the importance of unity and shared values. “The year 2025 has reminded us that our greatest strength does not lie in the corridors of government but in the resilience and unity of our people,” Mashatile said. “Our most valuable resource is not buried beneath our soil; rather, it is the great courage and determination of all South Africans everywhere.” This message emphasizes the need for South Africans to come together and work towards a common goal. By embracing their shared values and unity, the country can overcome its challenges and achieve greater things.
Addressing Gender-Based Violence
Mashatile reflected on sustained public pressure that led to gender-based violence being declared a national disaster, describing the move as a critical turning point in how government responds to the crisis. He said the declaration signalled a stronger, more coordinated approach to protecting women and children, but stressed that it should not be seen as an end in itself. “This classification is not the end. It is the beginning of intensified action to protect lives and restore dignity,” Mashatile said. The Deputy President urged South Africans to remain vigilant during the festive season, a period often associated with increased risks of violence, and called on communities to play an active role in safeguarding the most vulnerable. By working together, the country can make a significant impact in reducing gender-based violence and creating a safer environment for all.
A Call to Action
Mashatile emphasised that addressing GBV requires collective responsibility, adding that lasting change will depend not only on government action, but also on sustained community involvement and a shared commitment to respect, accountability and justice. This call to action emphasizes the need for all South Africans to get involved in the fight against gender-based violence. By working together, the country can create a safer and more just society for all. As the Deputy President concluded, “Even in this season of celebration, let us commit to building homes, schools, workplaces and communities where every woman and child is safe.” This message is a powerful reminder of the importance of creating a safe and supportive environment for all South Africans.
Conclusion and Festive Wishes
Mashatile concluded by wishing South Africans a safe and peaceful festive season and called on the nation to continue embracing the spirit of Ubuntu as it looks ahead to 2026. The South African wishes all its readers a Merry Christmas and prosperous New Year. As the country enters the new year, it is essential to remember the importance of unity, shared values, and collective responsibility. By working together and embracing these values, South Africa can overcome its challenges and achieve greater things. The Deputy President’s message is a powerful reminder of the need for South Africans to come together and work towards a common goal, and it is essential to keep this message in mind as the country moves forward into the new year.
