Stats SA published 25 statistical releases in May, with many providing a preliminary snapshot of economic performance in the first quarter (January–March). Business indicators largely upbeat The first quarter of 2026 was mainly positive, with stronger results from mining; wholesale trade sales; motor trade sales; tourist accommodation; restaurants, catering & fast-food; and rail & road   read more »

Consumer inflation jumped to 4,0% in April from 3,1% in March, driven mainly by sharp fuel price increases. This is the highest inflation print since August 2024, when the headline rate was 4,4%. The monthly change in the consumer price index (CPI) was 1,1% in April. Fuel prices bite hard Consumers were dealt a painful fuel   read more »

Several energy sources drive our economy. A recent report on the electricity, gas & water supply industry provides insight into the structure of electricity supply and use.   Where does our electricity come from? Coal continues to be the primary source of fuel, driving 83% of local electricity generation in 2024 (see Figure 1 below). South   read more »

Stats SA’s publication schedule was quieter in April, with 20 statistical releases published in the month. The latest economic figures cover the month of February. On the upside Most indicators were positive year-on-year. Mining; construction (buildings completed as reported by large municipalities); retail trade sales; motor trade sales; tourist accommodation; restaurants, catering & fast-food; and   read more »

The cost of living rose by 3,1% in the 12 months to March, according to the latest consumer price index (CPI). This is slightly up from 3,0% recorded in February. Prices increased on average by 0,6% in March 2026 compared with February 2026. Six of the 13 categories in the CPI basket recorded higher annual rates, including restaurants   read more »

Stats SA had a busy month in March, publishing 35 statistical releases. Key economic outputs include monthly business cycle indicators for January, gross domestic product (GDP) estimates for the fourth quarter of 2025 and fresh data on tourism from two separate sources. January was a mixed bag Mining; retail trade sales; motor trade sales; tourist   read more »

South Africa’s tourism sector had a rough time during the COVID-19 pandemic. Plummeting visitor numbers led to a decline in economic activity and job losses across the industry. Recovery has been slow, but recent data show a positive trend. Employment, economic activity and domestic tourism expenditure have all rebounded, according to the latest Tourism Satellite   read more »

South Africa’s international tourism sector recorded a strong recovery in 2025, surpassing pre-pandemic levels for the first time since global travel disruptions. According to the Tourism report (2025) released by Statistics South Africa (Stats SA), the country welcomed 10,5 million tourists in 2025, representing a 17,7% increase from the 8,9 million tourists recorded in 2024.   read more »

Headline consumer inflation cooled to 3,0% in February from 3,5% in January. The monthly change in the consumer price index (CPI) was 0,4%. To understand why inflation decreased this month, it is useful to compare the monthly change in February this year (0,4%) with February 2025 (0,9%). February’s monthly print was lower than average, and this   read more »

The South African economy recorded its fifth consecutive quarter of growth, expanding by 0,4% in the fourth quarter (October–December) of 2025.1 Finance, trade and personal services drove much of the upward momentum on the production (supply) side of the economy. A rise in household spending, gross fixed capital formation and government consumption lifted the expenditure   read more »