According to the latest report released by Statistics South Africa, Gender Series Volume XIII: Gender Disparities in Care Work in South Africa, 2026, gender differences are evident in the reasons people mention for not attending an educational institution. Males were more likely to cite poor academic performance, while females were more likely to report family read more »
Every neighbourhood has one. The family whose dog enthusiastically greets everyone walking past the gate. The retiree taking the same faithful companion for an early morning stroll, or the farm dog that’s always first to notice a visitor arriving. On International Dog Day (26 August), these everyday companions, or “fur babies”, take centre stage. While read more »
As Statistics South Africa continues to celebrate 30 years of democratic census-taking, we take a closer look at the vital role women play in agricultural activity in South Africa. Data from agricultural households and the commercial agriculture industry reveal important insights into the extent and nature of their contribution. Women headed just over half of read more »
Violence against children remains one of the most pervasive yet often hidden challenges affecting societies today. Despite global policy commitments, abuse, neglect, and exploitation of children continues across homes, schools, and communities. In South Africa Child Protection Week, observed from 29 May to 5 June 2026, raises awareness about children’s rights and safety while encouraging read more »
For millions of households, navigating medical costs is a delicate balancing act—one that reveals who can access quality care, who must sacrifice to afford it, and who is left to depend entirely on public services. While private medical cover remains out of reach for most, households still dig into their pockets to pay for essentials read more »
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 »