The Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dr Dion George, has welcomed the vital role of the forestry and fishing sectors in driving South Africa’s economic growth in the fourth quarter of 2024.
According to Statistics South Africa’s data, released on Tuesday, 4 March 2025, the nation’s gross domestic product (GDP) grew by 0.6% in the fourth quarter, rebounding from a slight dip in the previous quarter.
The agriculture, forestry, and fishing industry -- the top performer across all sectors -- surged by 17.2%, adding 0.4 percentage points to this growth.
“Our forestry and fishing sectors, as part of the top-performing agriculture industry, are proving their worth, delivering real value through sustainable practices and smart policies that boost growth, create jobs, and protect our natural resources,” the Minister said on Thursday.
The industry’s performance outshone contributions from sectors like finance (0.3 points) and trade (0.2 points) relative to their scale.
The Minister noted that the forestry and fishing sector provided a steady anchor amid economic pressures.
“This is a solid step, but it’s not enough. Our growth must outpace population growth to lift more South Africans out of poverty and into opportunity, and that requires pushing forestry, fishing, and the broader economy harder and faster.
“Together, we’re setting the stage for a future where forestry and fishing don’t just add to GDP: they drive prosperity and sustainability for all. This green shoot is just the beginning. We’re committed to doing much more, ensuring South Africa’s growth opens doors for every citizen,” George said. - SAnews.gov.za
