South Africa GDP contracts 0.2% in Q2, breaking six-quarter growth streak

South Africa's GDP fell 0.2% quarter-on-quarter in Q2 2026, ending six consecutive quarters of expansion, with the commerce sector as the main drag. The contraction signals a potential growth stall in Africa's most industrialized economy, raising concerns about fiscal and social stability. Uncertainty remains over whether this is a one-off dip or the start of a broader slowdown.