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 »
Following a contraction of 0,1% in the third quarter of 2024, the South African gross domestic product (GDP) expanded by 0,6% in the fourth quarter (October–December).1 Growth was led by agriculture, finance and trade on the supply (production) side of the economy. Household spending led growth on the demand (expenditure) side. Annually, the GDP grew read more »
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 »
The 2025 State of the Nation Address (SONA) underscored South Africa’s pressing labour market challenges, with unemployment remaining a top national concern. The Quarterly Labour Force Survey (QLFS) reports an unemployment rate of 31,9% in Q4: 2024, reflecting the continued difficulty many South Africans face in securing jobs. Beyond unemployment, time-related underemployment remains a challenge, read more »