South Africa's private sector PMI rose to 50.8 in March, first expansion in six months, up from 50.0 in February.
Output grew, hiring hit fastest pace since May 2024, and inventories rose for first time since November amid new project starts.
New orders fell moderately but accelerated, with export sales dropping at steepest rate in over two years due to Middle East war.
Input prices rose fastest since Aug 2024 on fuel, US dollar strength and wage hikes; firms lifted selling prices to highest since end‑2024.