Government finances: surplus, deficit and debt

Believe it or not, there was a time – not so long ago – when the South African government actually spent less than it earned. Stats SA takes a look at government spending over 13 years, focusing on how much we pay to service our debt. Harking back to better times in February’s National Budget Speech, Finance Minister Tito Mboweni quipped that his predecessor, Trevor Manuel, had given out succulent plums to highlight the prosperous times ...

How do tourists spend their money?

Fancy a meal out, or would you rather save up for accommodation when on holiday? We take a peek into the spending habits of domestic and international visitors who criss-cross the South African landscape.  

Economy edges up by 0,8% in 2018

The South African economy grew by 1,4%¹ in the fourth quarter of 2018, contributing to an overall growth rate of 0,8% for the entire year. The latest set of gross domestic product (GDP) figures released by Stats SA provides an overview of economic performance in 2018. South Africa found itself in economic recession in 2018, its second since the early 1990s. The 2018 recession spanned the first two quarters of the year, with the econ...

Mining production stumbles in 2018

The Investing in African Mining Indaba, the world’s largest mining conference, ended a week ago in Cape Town. Investment promises made at the conference might have a positive impact on the future of the industry. Stats SA takes a look at how mining fared in 2018. Mining had a lacklustre year. Production fell by 1,6% in 2018 compared with 2017, down from the 3,9% rise in 2017. Gold, copper and iron ore were the biggest drags on activity in 20...