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What does it take to turn internet access into economic opportunity? We explore this in two new BER research notes. The first examines why South Africa’s digital inclusion agenda needs to think beyond access to account for affordability, devices, skills, and what people can achieve online, and why these outcomes require transversal, evidence-based policy. The second note is a case study of Motherwell in the Eastern Cape, to better understand the effect of affordability on internet use and spending. Together, the notes highlight the need to measure digital inclusion to understand where and how it supports South Africa’s growth agenda. Both are available at www.ber.ac.za/growth.
Read MoreHigh internet coverage does not tell us how people use their connections or what they can afford to do online. This research note compares connected households in neighbouring parts of Motherwell with varying levels of access to affordable, uncapped fibre. Households in the fibre area report lower mobile-data spending, more internet use at home and at night, and a different mix of online activities and perceived benefits. Mobile data remains important in both areas. The findings show why measuring digital inclusion requires looking beyond access to understand patterns of use, affordability and people’s experiences online.
Read MoreThe GEPF’s Isibaya allocation, managed by the Public Investment Corporation (PIC), delivered a long-run financial return of 4.25%. This note compares that outcome with a listed-bond alternative and examines the investment patterns, financing structures and developmental objectives behind the portfolio’s performance.
Read MoreReforms involving electricity, visas and digital infrastructure recorded progress in the second quarter. In water, logistics and local government, there was movement on policy and institutional reform, but implementation remained uneven and operational constraints persisted. Spatial integration remains the clear laggard, with several Q2 milestones pushed back by a quarter or more.
Read MoreThe slides presented during the BER’s local government reform webinar of 4 September 2026, featuring economists Roy Havemann and Rose Murunzi, research fellow Nomvuyo Guma, and political analyst Natasha Marrian
Read MoreSouth Africa’s municipalities face both a structural financial problem as well as a deeper governance malaise, but better governance is what will make financial recovery possible. Ultimately, though, it is up to residents to reinforce accountability by exercising their right to vote. [This is a summary of the BER’s local government reform webinar of 4 September 2026, featuring BER economists Roy Havemann and Rose Murunzi, BER research fellow Nomvuyo Guma, and BER political analyst Natasha Marrian.]
Read MoreThe President has launched Phase 3 of the Government-Business Partnership, with a stronger focus on sector-specific interventions in mining, agriculture and agriprocessing, and tourism. In our latest data story, Visa Reform's Next Test: Can Tourism Move Beyond the Post-COVID Recovery?, we assess the state of South Africa’s tourism recovery in 2026. The full story is available here: https://dataportal.ber.ac.za/datastories/visa-reform-tourism/
Read MoreSouth Africa's Public Investment Corporation (PIC) remains a financial heavyweight, managing more than R3+ trillion on behalf of public-sector clients. Most of that money is invested in local equities and bonds, while the GEPF, its dominant client, remains well funded despite some benchmark underperformance. The sharper risk now lies in governance, as leadership disputes and renewed regulatory scrutiny test the Mpati Commission pressures. In this research note, we unpack where the PIC's trillions are invested, how the portfolio has performed, and why governance remains central to protecting long-term retirement savings.
Read MoreSouth Africa possesses one of the world's richest mineral endowments, yet its mining sector continues to underperform. This follow-up note to the BER and ERSA's Understanding South Africa's mining slowdown examines how targeted reforms to the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act (MPRDA) could reduce regulatory uncertainty, ease administrative bottlenecks, and improve the investment environment. The note proposes practical legislative amendments to help unlock exploration, attract capital, and support stronger long-term growth.
Read MoreThe recent decision by the Minister of Finance to freeze payments to 69 municipalities has, once again, focused attention on municipal reform. Municipal reform is critical for economic success. In this note, we analyse the reform programme, highlighting that the missing link is appropriate intervention powers.
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