Economic data published this month provide preliminary insight into how the South African economy performed in the fourth quarter of 2024 and the calendar year Winners and losers The fourth quarter was generally downbeat across selected sectors, with only four keeping their heads above water. Wholesale trade, retail trade, motor trade and rail passenger transport read more »
Retail trade sales surged in November, marking the most significant year-on-year jump for the month in seven years.1 The latest round of data, which concludes the results for the calendar year, provides an opportunity to re-examine2 November sales over time. November nipping at Santa’s heels One can think of Black Friday as a competitor to read more »
South Africa’s youth, defined as individuals aged 15–34 years, form a crucial demographic and make up nearly one-third of the population. They represent a dynamic generation navigating a rapidly evolving society influenced by the labour market, poverty, crime and access to quality education. According to the 2024 Mid-year Population Estimates, approximately 21 million young people read more »
Across South Africa, millions of grandparents are stepping in to raise their grandchildren. Whether due to economic hardship, parental struggles, or social shifts, more children are finding their strongest support system in their grandparents’ arms. According to the report Child Series Volume IV: Children Living with Grandparents in South Africa, 2023, approximately 6,7 million grandparents read more »
Stats SA started the year with 20 new releases. Key economic outputs include the conclusion of consumer inflation data for 2024, the release of a new consumer inflation basket and weights, and the much-anticipated release of the Income and Expenditure Survey (IES) report. Inflation heats up to 3,0% Consumer inflation increased for a second straight read more »
In South Africa, employment in private households represents a crucial segment of the labour market, making a significant contribution to total employment despite being relatively vulnerable and largely informal. According to data from the Q3: 2024 Quarterly Labour Force Survey (QLFS), approximately 1,1 million South Africans are employed in private households, with 75,7% (or 854 000) working read more »
Stats SA published 23 statistical releases in October, many of which provide fresh data on the state of the economy. The latest monthly indicators Nationally, mining activity increased by a marginal 0,3% year-on-year in August. Manganese ore, platinum group metals and chromium ore were the largest drivers of growth. Nickel and copper also recorded a read more »
Each province has its own unique economic profile. The latest set of regional gross domestic product (GDP) figures paint a picture of what drives economic activity in each province. The data also shows what each province brings to the economic table of the country. Which industries drive your provincial economy? Gauteng is the nation’s economic read more »
You can’t teach a hungry child. In 1994, the South African government established the National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP), a nationwide project that provides meals to schools in poorer communities. Stats SA provides a glimpse into how much money is spent on this vitally important initiative. Explore school nutrition, as well as other stories, in read more »
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 »