Mashatile’s Christmas Message Links Economic Momentum to Tougher GBV Response
He ties 2025 gains to a call for vigilance, with GBV labeled a national disaster.
Overview
- The Deputy President wished South Africans a safe, peaceful Christmas and urged communities to uphold Ubuntu going into 2026.
- He cited 0.5% GDP growth in Q3 2025, the third straight quarter of expansion, as evidence of resilience.
- IMF growth forecasts were lifted to 1.3% for 2025 and 1.4% for 2026, reflecting improved prospects.
- Standard & Poor’s upgraded South Africa’s credit rating for the first time in about 20 years, signaling stronger investor confidence.
- He highlighted 2025 milestones including hosting the first G20 Leaders’ Summit on African soil and convening the first National Convention of the National Dialogue, while urging intensified action after GBV’s national-disaster designation.