Women make up just over half of South Africa’s population, yet their ability to fully participate in the economy remains uneven. From securing credit to owning land, accessing finance as capital to finding opportunities in formal employment, barriers continue to limit women’s financial inclusion. The impact is most pronounced among women in rural communities, low-income   read more »

Housebreaking remains the most experienced crime affecting South African households in 2024/25, according to the latest Governance, Public Safety and Justice Survey (GPSJS). Despite this, perceptions of safety have improved slightly. The survey shows that 81,0% of people aged 16 and older felt safe walking alone in their neighbourhoods during the day in 2024/25, compared   read more »

On 31 July 2025, the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) lowered the repo rate by 25 basis points to 7%, which became effective from 01 August 2025, marking its lowest level since November 2022. This reduction effectively brings the prime lending rate down to 10,50%. The repo rate, or repurchase rate, is the interest rate   read more »

Headline consumer inflation increased to 3,5% in July from 3,0% in June. This is the highest rate since September 2024, when it was 3,8%. Prices increased on average by 0,9% between June and July. Household food budgets under pressure Annual inflation for food & non-alcoholic beverages (NAB) continued to rise, accelerating to 5,7% from 5,1% in   read more »

This year’s Women’s Month marks two major milestones: the 69th anniversary of the 1956 women’s march to the Union Buildings and the 30th anniversary of the first official National Women’s Day. Under the theme “Building Resilient Economies for All,” the 2025 commemoration highlights the importance of women’s participation in leadership and the economy. As the   read more »

South Africa’s commercial agricultural industry is notable for its wide variety of crops, horticultural products and livestock. A recent release breaks it all down, providing data on the industry’s most popular products. The Agricultural industry, 2023 statistical report summarises data from thousands of farms across the country, revealing interesting nuggets of information. Maize and sugarcane   read more »

Hake generated over a quarter of total sales of caught fish in 2023, followed by squid, lobster, tuna and anchovy. South African hake is widely distributed as a food source, accounting for 0,8% of total household spending on food. This is higher than other food items such as beef steak, sausages and meat patties. Explore   read more »

The latest set of monthly economic data is mainly positive, with several indicators strengthening on a year-on-year basis in May. Consumer spending was stronger, with retail trade, motor trade, tourist accommodation and restaurants, catering & fast-food extending their gains. On the downside, wholesale trade, road freight transport and road passenger transport recorded a weaker month   read more »

Behind every statistic is a story — and South Africa’s population tells a powerful one. From shifting demographics to growing numbers, here are six revealing snapshots from the Mid-Year Population Estimates, 2025 (MYPE) report, that shows who we are right now. 1.South Africa’s Population Hits 63,1 Million in 2025 South Africa’s mid-year population is estimated   read more »

After holding steady at 2,8% in April and May, consumer inflation edged higher to 3,0% in June. The month-on-month change in the consumer price index (CPI) was 0,3%. Food inflation accelerates further The annual rate for food & non-alcoholic beverages (NAB) reached a 15-month high of 5,1% in June. Meat – particularly beef – continues   read more »