December 3, 2025 – eRadio SA – Live from the Garden Route

Government welcomes continued GDP growth in Q3 of 2025

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Government has welcomed the latest Gross Domestic Product (GDP) figures released by Statistics South Africa, confirming that the economy grew by 0.5% in the third quarter of 2025.

This is the third consecutive quarter of expansion, following the 0.9% growth recorded in the previous quarter.

The steady improvement highlights the resilience of the economy and the positive impact of ongoing structural reforms aimed at boosting inclusive and sustainable growth.

Several sectors contributed to the uptick. Trade, catering and accommodation grew by 1.0% on the back of stronger retail, wholesale, tourism and food services activity. Mining expanded by 2.3%, driven by platinum group metals, manganese ore and coal.

Finance, real estate and business services grew by 0.3%, general government services by 0.7%, and manufacturing by 0.3%. Agriculture, forestry and fishing also improved by 1.1%, supported by better output in crops, horticulture and animal products.

Government says that although challenges persist, the latest data shows the economy is gradually recovering.

Efforts to support growth, investment and job creation will continue.

Teenager Dies in Drowning Incident Near Hermanus New Harbour

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A 17-year-old local boy has died following a drowning incident near the Hermanus New Harbour on Tuesday afternoon.

NSRI Hermanus station commander, Edrich Kotze, says crews from NSRI Hermanus, CMC ambulance services, ER24 and the South African Police Service responded to the cliff path at 13:27 after reports of a drowning in progress.

When NSRI crew arrived, paramedics were already performing CPR on the teenager. Despite all efforts to resuscitate him, he was declared dead at the scene.

His body was taken into the care of police and the Government Health Forensic Pathology Services. Police have opened an inquest docket.

It appears the teenager encountered difficulty while swimming. Friends reportedly carried him up to the cliff path and alerted authorities, where paramedics met them and immediately began CPR.

Condolences have been extended to the family and friends of the deceased.

More than 90 motorists arrested as festive season begins

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Law enforcement officers have arrested more than 90 motorists and issued 5 626 traffic fines on the first day of the national festive season road safety campaign.

The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) said the arrests, made on 1 December, were linked to offences including driving under the influence of alcohol, speeding, and reckless or negligent driving, among others.

“Of particular concern is that more than a third of the individuals had outstanding warrants of arrests against their traffic fines that they had ignored to pay. Motorists are advised to ascertain if they have outstanding traffic fines before embarking on their holiday trips in the coming weeks,” the RTMC said on Tuesday.

The festive period is likely to pose great challenges for law enforcement because of the increase in the number of vehicles and heavy rainfalls and infrastructure damaging storms.

Moreover, the number of registered vehicles in the country has increased from about 13 613 451 in September to 13 646 029 in October.

“The increase in vehicle populations will most likely increase the burden on officers and cause more congestions on the roads during peak travel periods. Travellers planning long distance trips are advised to carefully consider their time of travel and avoid night time as more crashes occur after sunset.

“Motorists are further advised to take into consideration that heavy rains experienced by the country recently have compromised the quality of some of the roads. Therefore, travel must take place when visibility is clear to avoid possible potholes that can cause serious damage to vehicles and dent the joyous festive season spirit,” the RTMC said.