Working capital: How do municipalities fare?

How many South African municipalities are in a position to pay back short-term debt? Stats SA’s latest Financial census of municipalities report provides an answer. One way to gauge a business or government institution’s ability to pay back short-term debt is to inspect the working capital ratio.

Protecting South Africa’s elderly

Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) estimates the mid-year population 2020 at 59,62 million in South Africa. Around 51,1% (approximately 30,5 million) of the population is female, while 5,43 million people are aged 60 and over.

South Africa’s poor little children

In 2015, the South African population was estimated at 55 million people, of which 19,7 million were children aged less than 18 years (0–17). According to a new report released by Statistics South Africa, Child poverty in South Africa: A Multiple Overlapping Deprivation Analysis, more than 6 out of 10 (62,1%) children aged 0–17 years were multidimensionally poor.

GDP falls by 2,0%

The South African economy recorded its third consecutive quarter of economic decline, falling by 2,0% (seasonally adjusted and annualised) in the first quarter of 2020.¹ This followed a contraction of -1,4% and -0,8% in the fourth and third quarters of 2019, respectively.

Important message to service providers: fictitious orders

It has come to the attention of Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) that fictitious orders for goods and services are being issued in the name of Stats SA to prospective service providers.

Stay updated during the lockdown

President Ramaphosa announced a 21-day lockdown starting on Friday 27 March 2020 to Thursday 16 April 2020. It is important that you stay updated during this period, as the regulations governing the lockdown will change as the situation changes. Stay updated by visiting www.sacoronavirus.co.za.

Stats SA launches online survey to gauge the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic

Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) is appealing to the public to participate in an online survey it launched recently to gauge the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. “Accurate, real-time statistics are of utmost importance in times of crisis,” said Statistician-General Risenga Maluleke.