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 »

The painful rise in fuel prices this week follows a long series of increases over the years. Historical data shows when the country faced its biggest price shocks, and how recent increases compare. Tracking the petrol price over time Figure 1 shows how the price of inland 93-octane petrol has risen since 1976, drawing on data   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 »

Debt can quickly become a curse if businesses take on more than they can handle. The most recent financial data from Stats SA covers debt in the formal business sector, highlighting industries that might be more at risk, with a particular focus on small enterprises. Businesses borrowed less in 2024 Total debt (i.e. liabilities) in   read more »

Stats SA kick-started the year with 20 statistical releases, with fresh economic data for November 2025. Indicators that were positive year-on-year in November 2025 include construction (buildings completed as reported by large municipalities); retail trade; tourist accommodation; restaurants, catering & fast-food; and rail transport (freight and passenger). Mining, manufacturing, electricity generation, wholesale trade, motor trade and   read more »

Real gross domestic product (GDP) expanded by 0,5% in the third quarter (July–September) of 2025.1 This follows a revised increase of 0,9% in the second quarter and marks the fourth consecutive rise in economic activity. Mining grows the most Nine of the ten industries on the production (supply) side of the economy were stronger in   read more »

The latest round of economic data provides clues on how well the economy performed in the third quarter (July–September) of the year. Monthly indicators largely positive Except for electricity generation, freight transport, and road passenger transport, business indicators were upbeat in the third quarter (Figure 1). Mining activity expanded by 2,5%, with platinum group metals driving   read more »

The latest set of physical energy flow accounts released by Stats SA provides two new energy indicators which answer the following questions: To what extent does South Africa depend on energy products of other countries to meet its energy needs, and how much energy do South African households use per person? Physical energy flow accounts   read more »

September was a busy month for Stats SA’s publication schedule. The statistical agency published 25 statistical releases, with several providing quarterly and annual updates. Provincial and national GDP Stats SA released its latest provincial gross domestic product (GDP) estimates, for the period 2013 to 2024. Six of the nine provinces experienced an increase in economic   read more »