South Africa Roundup: Afrikaner farmers, car thefts at South African shopping malls, budget deficit forecast

Afrikaner farmers dispute U.S. claims ahead of South Africa–U.S. presidential meeting

Ahead of the scheduled meeting between South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House, Afrikaner farmers visited a farm attack memorial in Bothaville, South Africa. The visit coincides with a major agricultural fair attended by thousands. Despite their conservative leanings, several white Afrikaner groups rejected the Trump administration’s assertions of “genocide” and unlawful land seizures, which prompted the U.S. to suspend financial aid to South Africa.

Authorities report rise in remote jamming car thefts at South African shopping malls

South African shopping mall visitors are being cautioned about a growing trend in vehicle thefts involving remote jamming. According to the South African Police Service (SAPS) and private security companies, criminals are increasingly using jamming devices to block the signal between a vehicle owner's remote and their car, preventing it from locking. Bull Security, operating in Pretoria, has observed a significant rise in such incidents, particularly in eastern suburbs like Mooikloof. Spokesperson French Jooste stated that suspects typically remain in parking areas, activate a jamming device as the driver walks away, and then access the unlocked vehicle.

State-owned poultry produce faces liquidation after failed funding effort

State-owned poultry producer Daybreak Foods, which supplies approximately 7% of South Africa’s poultry, is facing liquidation following an unsuccessful attempt to raise emergency funding. The Public Investment Corporation (PIC), its owner, has requested R500 million (approximately $27.8 million) from the Unemployment Insurance Fund and the Compensation Fund to settle creditor claims. 

Ramaphosa appoints minerals minister as acting president 

President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources Gwede Mantash, as acting president of South Africa from 18 to 22 May 2025. The appointment was made as a result of President Ramaphosa’s visit to the United States, coinciding with Deputy President Paul Mashatile's visit to France.

South Africa’s Treasury expected to revise budget deficit forecast upward 

South Africa’s National Treasury is expected to announce a wider budget deficit forecast for the 2025/26 fiscal year, projecting a shortfall of 4.70% of GDP, according to a Reuters poll conducted between May 8 and 19. This exceeds both the 4.60% estimate released by the government in March and the 4.55% figure predicted in a February Reuters poll. Economists’ projections ranged from a 5.10% to 4.50% deficit. The deficit is expected to narrow slightly to 4.40% in the following fiscal year but will remain above the Treasury’s previous projection of 3.80%. Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana is scheduled to return to parliament on May 21 to seek approval for the national budget, following disagreements with coalition partners over proposed tax increases. The government currently faces a 75 billion rand ($4.1 billion) funding gap.