According to Statistics South Africa’s Volunteer Activities Survey, 2024, an estimated 3,1 million South Africans aged 15 and older participated in volunteer work in 2024—up from 2,7 million in 2018 and 2,2 million in 2014, representing a volunteer rate of 6,9% of the adult population. Volunteer work refers to any unpaid, non‑compulsory activity that individuals   read more »

Stats SA recently published an update on the influence of Black Friday on November retail trade sales.1 The event has become synonymous with e-commerce. According to data quoted by BusinessDay, there was a sharp rise in online Black Friday purchases in 2025.2,3 While Stats SA does not publish data specifically on the influence of e-commerce   read more »

South Africa’s ageing population is increasing steadily, bringing both opportunities and challenges for ensuring that people age well. According to the Marginalised Groups Series VIII – Healthy Ageing in South Africa, 2024, released by Statistics South Africa, the number of persons aged 60 years or older in South Africa increased from 3,6 million (7,7% of   read more »

Black Friday deals were aplenty in November. Recent retail trade sales data show how consumers allocated their spending between November and December, and how this split has shifted over time. The impact of Black Friday was previously covered using data for 2019, 20211 and 2024.2 Retail trade sales figures published last month provide an update   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 »

Households and individuals in South Africa are reporting slightly greater financial adequacy than a decade ago — but many still say their income falls short of meeting their everyday needs. This is one of the key insights emerging from Statistics South Africa’s new report titled: Subjective Poverty in South Africa: Findings from the Income &   read more »

In cities and townships, on busy streets and in small neighbourhood markets, a significant part of South Africa’s economy goes about its work. It operates without being covered by formal arrangements, yet it supports millions of people.  The informal sector is a vital source of income in a country facing persistent unemployment and inequality. This   read more »

South Africa is home to more than 3 million immigrants, accounting for 5,1% of the country’s population, according to the latest Migration Statistics Report based on the 2022/23 Income and Expenditure Survey. Most of these immigrants—63,6%—hail from countries within the Southern African Development Community (SADC). The data also reveals a distinct demographic trend: most immigrants   read more »

Annual consumer price inflation eased to 3,5% in November from 3,6% in October. The monthly change in the consumer price index (CPI) was -0,1%. Annual inflation cooled in five of the 13 product categories, most notably transport; recreation, sport & culture; and information & communication. Four categories registered no change. Food & non-alcoholic beverages (NAB),   read more »

A healthy agricultural industry is vital to economic development, employment and food security. Stats SA’s latest annual Agricultural Survey (2024) provides insight into the products that sustain the industry, and the impact of small, medium and micro farmers. Horticulture: The most significant income generator In November, the Citrus Growers’ Association of Southern Africa reported a   read more »