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 »

June was a busy month for Stats SA’s publication schedule, with 28 releases published in the month. Lacklustre economic growth in the first quarter June began with the release of the latest gross domestic product (GDP) estimates, for the first quarter (January–March) of 2025. GDP expanded by a muted 0,1%, with agriculture leading the increase.   read more »

Consumer price inflation was 2,8% in May, unchanged from 2,8% in April. The consumer price index (CPI) increased by 0,2% between April and May. Food & non-alcoholic beverages (NAB) is the only category that contributed to the monthly increase in the CPI. The monthly change in food & NAB was 1,1%, following a 1,3% rise   read more »

The South African economy kept its head above water in the first quarter of 2025 (January–March), expanding by a marginal 0,1% compared with the fourth quarter of 2024.1 Four of the ten industries on the production (supply) side of the economy recorded positive gains, with agriculture driving most of the upward momentum. Household spending, stronger   read more »

Stats SA published 23 statistical releases in May, several providing a preliminary overview of economic performance in the first quarter. Other notable outputs in the month include the latest inflation and unemployment figures. Business performance in the quarter The monthly business data conclude the results for the first quarter of the calendar year. Mining, manufacturing, electricity   read more »

After a busy March, Stats SA’s publication schedule was quieter in April. Eighteen releases were published in the month. Business performance a mixed bag Several sectors were weaker in February on a year-on-year basis. These include mining; manufacturing; wholesale trade; motor trade; restaurants, catering & fast-food; road freight; and road passenger transport (Figure 1). Mining production   read more »

Headline consumer inflation decreased for the first time in five months, edging lower to 2,7% in March from 3,2% in February. The decline was mainly due to lower fuel prices and softer tuition inflation. Fuel and education help ease inflationary pressure The fuel index softened by 0,4% from February, taking the annual rate from -3,6%   read more »

Stats SA had a bumper schedule in March, with 35 releases published on a wide range of topics. Key economic outputs included the latest gross domestic product (GDP) estimates, formal-sector employment, data on electricity generation and a comprehensive set of energy flow accounts. Agriculture, trade and finance push the economy forward After a bumpy third   read more »

South Africa’s informal sector plays a crucial yet often overlooked role in the country’s economy, providing jobs and incomes for millions who struggle to find opportunities in the formal labour market. According to the latest Quarterly Labour Force Survey (QLFS) released by Statistics South Africa (Stats SA), informal sector employment accounted for 19,5% of total   read more »

Annual consumer price inflation was 3,2% in February, unchanged from January. This marks the fourth consecutive month that inflation has remained above the four-and-a-half-year low of 2,8% in October. The monthly change in the consumer price index (CPI) was 0,9% in February. Recreation, sport & culture; food & non-alcoholic beverages (NAB); alcoholic beverages & tobacco;   read more »