SA's Manufacturing Slowdown: Why Supporting Local Should Be a National Imperative

Sibongile Mokeng is joined in the studio by Dr. Andrew Dickson, Engineering Executive at CBi-electric: low voltage in Cape Town, to discuss the urgent need to support local manufacturing amid South Africa’s economic slowdown. A looming 30% US tariff starting August 1 could severely impact South African exports, threatening jobs and skills development as export volumes hit their lowest this year. Dr Dickson highlights that backing local manufacturing is essential to safeguard employment, maintain critical skills, and stabilize the broader economy. He’ll address why supporting local producers matters, how manufacturing impacts various sectors, necessary policy and consumer measures, and whether increased local demand can buffer against international risks.