Stats SA published several quarterly and annual reports in September, along with the usual set of monthly indicators. South African economy expands in the second quarter The month began with the release of the latest gross domestic product (GDP) figures, covering the second quarter of the year. The economy saw some growth, mainly lifted by   read more »

According to the Quarterly Employment Statistics (QES, Q2:2024) survey released by Statistics South Africa (Stats SA), total employment in the formal non-agricultural sector increased by 42 000 in the second quarter of 2024, bringing the level of employment to 10,7 million. According to the survey 144 000 jobs were lost between June 2023 and June 2024.   read more »

Consumer inflation slowed for a third consecutive month, cooling to 4,4% in August from 4,6% in July. This is the lowest inflation print since April 2021 when the rate was also 4,4%. Lower annual rates were recorded for several product groups, most notably transport, housing, and restaurants & hotels. In contrast, inflation for food & non-alcoholic   read more »

The South African economy strengthened by 0,4%1 in the second quarter (April–June) of 2024. The finance, manufacturing, trade, and electricity, gas & water supply industries drove most of the economy’s momentum on the production (supply) side. On the expenditure (demand) side, household consumption, government consumption and a build-up in inventories contributed favourably to growth. Seven   read more »

The latest set of economic indicators paint a preliminary picture of economic performance in the second quarter (April–June). The quarter in a nutshell Several sectors enjoyed positive gains in the second quarter of 2024 compared with the first quarter of 2024. These include manufacturing, electricity generation, construction (buildings reported as completed to larger municipalities), wholesale   read more »

A picture can tell an intricate story. The graphic below speaks for 257 public institutions. Figure 1 shows the distribution of revenue across South Africa’s extra-budgetary accounts and funds (EBAs). In the 2022/23 financial year, EBAs received or generated R390,2 billion in revenue, according to the latest data. EBAs play a significant role in the financial management   read more »

This year’s Women’s Month, marked by the theme “Celebrating 30 Years of Democracy Towards Women’s Development,” serves as a powerful reminder of the strides women have made since the dawn of our democracy. The theme not only highlights the achievements and contributions of women across various sectors but also underscores the ongoing challenges that need   read more »

After holding steady for ten months in the 5–6% range, annual consumer price inflation slowed to 4,6% in July from 5,1% in June. The July inflation print is the lowest in three years since July 2021, when the rate was also 4,6%. Lower annual rates were recorded for several product groups, most notably food & non-alcoholic   read more »

“Wathint’ Abafazi, Wathint’ Imbokodo” (“You strike a woman, you strike a rock”) has become a powerful symbol of women’s strength and resistance. During Women’s Month, we celebrate the achievements of women in South Africa and the critical role they play in our society. Regrettably, women in SA continue to shoulder a disproportionate burden of unemployment,   read more »

Stats SA has published monthly residential property price indices for provinces and metropolitan areas since March 2023. Here is a rundown of the latest inflation data for the housing market. The Residential Property Price Index (RPPI) measures the change in prices for all dwellings, including houses, townhouses, and flats that are purchased by private individuals.1 The   read more »