Unrest Warning: 67 Of South African Ceos Expect Civil Disruption In 2025
A growing number of South African businesses are sounding the alarm over the risk of widespread social unrest as the country faces severe water shortages and crumbling public services.
This concern is backed by data from PwC's 26th Global CEO Survey and the Africa Business Agenda Report for 2023, which shows that 67 of CEOs in South Africa expect to face severe disruptions from social unrest in the coming year. This is significantly higher than the global average of 26 and well above the continental average of 46.
The report highlights how business leaders across the region are increasingly concerned about instability, particularly in South Africa - the most unequal region in the world in terms of income and consumption per capita. These extreme inequalities, combined with the breakdown of essential services, are placing enormous pressure on communities and businesses alike.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has acknowledged the growing discontent. In a recent statement, he warned that South Africans frustration, especially over the failing water infrastructure, is intensifying.
Water outages have become routine in many parts of the country, with protests flaring in provinces like Gauteng and the Eastern Cape. Business owners say the situation is affecting productivity, staff safety and long-term investment confidence.