Given the uncertainties in the global economy and the recent tariff escalations between major economies and a retreat from multilateralism which added further complexity, South Africa must rethink traditional approaches to competition law and industrial strategy. This is according to the Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Mr Zuko Godlimpi. Godlimpi was delivering a keynote address at the 19th Annual Conference on Competition Law, Economics and Policy, taking place alongside the 9th BRICS International Competition Conference from 9-11 September 2025 in Cape Town. The conference is taking place under the theme, Competition law in uncertain times.
According to Godlimpi, rethinking traditional approaches to competition law and industrial strategy will require open dialogue between government and business to adapt the policies and enforcement of strategies to new realities.
“These challenges highlight the need to strengthen key policy initiatives such as re-industrialisation, localisation, and inclusive growth. the dtic is committed to driving South Africa’s economic transformation and we are striving for an economy where inclusive industrialisation is a reality, and not a distant aspiration,” said Godlimpi.
Furthermore, Godlimpi said the dtic is facilitating the transformation of the economy to promote industrial development, investment, competitiveness, and employment creation.
“We are going to build mutually beneficial regional and global relations, while advancing South Africa’s trade, industrial policy, and economic development goals. In a world that is increasingly being shaped by shifting geopolitical dynamics and economic uncertainty, our international engagements must also be strategic. We must promote partnerships that open markets for South African goods and services, attract investment, and ensure that South Africa remains an active and influential participant in shaping global trade and competition rules,” added Godlimpi.
Godlimpi also highlighted the department’s commitment to ease broad-based economic participation through targeted interventions. He said there is a deliberate focus on supporting Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises, empowering women and youth, as well as enhancing the capabilities of black-owned businesses. In this regard, he said transformation is an economic necessity.
Godlimpi noted the importance of the Competition Competition’s work which focuses on enforcing the Competition Act to promote and maintain competitive markets in South Africa.
“With an increasing number of global challenges and uncertainties, the Competition Commission plays an integral role in promoting a growing, de-concentrated, and inclusive economy. In this context, competition policy becomes not just a tool for market fairness, but a lever for economic resilience. It is through fostering dynamic, inclusive, and open markets that we can support innovation, productivity, and long-term growth. We must therefore, engage in dialogue that addresses key structural market features such as market concentration, access to support for SMMEs, and how best to shock proof our economy in a rapidly evolving global order,” added Godlimpi.
Furthermore, Godlimpi told delegates that, as the country confront persistent challenges such as high levels of economic concentration, inequality, as well as unemployment, the Commission must remain responsive and innovative. This includes investigating mergers and acquisitions with more focus on public interest considerations such as employment and transformation. Therefore, public interest remains a focal point of the Commission’s work.
Godlimpi underscored the importance of Competition policy, which he said plays a vital role in fostering fair competition, preventing anti-competitive practices, and ensuring consumer protection within the country’s economic landscape.
Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Mr Zuko Godlimpi delivering a keynote address at the 19th Annual Conference on Competition Law, Economics and Policy, taking place alongside the 9th BRICS International Competition Conference from 9-11 September 2025 in Cape Town.
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