The latest data points to a slow down in the number of liquidations. South Africa recorded a small decline in business liquidations in November 2025 compared with the same month in 2024, according to Statistics South Africa. A total of 126 liquidations were reported in November 2025, down 1.6% from 128 in November 2024.
Over the three months ending in November 2025, the number of liquidations decreased by 9.5% compared with the same period in 2024. Breaking the numbers down, company liquidations fell by 23 cases year-on-year in November 2025, while close corporation liquidations increased by 21 cases over the same period. Statistics South Africa noted that voluntary liquidations made up the majority of cases, with compulsory liquidations representing a smaller share.
For the year to date,total liquidationswere 1.8% lower than the first 11 months of 2024. In terms of the type of entities, companies continue to make up the bulk of liquidations. Thedecrease in company closurescontrasts with a modest increase in close corporation liquidations, highlighting differences across business structures.
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Liquidation data offers insight into the formal business sector, capturing instances where firms are unable to meet their financial obligations and are officially wound up. The data is often used alongside other economic indicators to monitor trends in business activity and corporate solvency.
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