Category Archives: Economic growth

University funding: Looking back at #FeesMustFall and COVID-19

University funding: Looking back at #FeesMustFall and COVID-19

South African universities faced a turbulent journey during the #FeesMustFall movement in 2015 and the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Both events had a significant impact on higher education funding. Stats SA explores how revenue streams for universities have shifted in the last decade, and how they were shaped by these two events. The #FeesMustFall movement   read more »


Public-sector capex rises for a second straight year

Public-sector capex rises for a second straight year

Infrastructure investment has a long-term impact on the economy, supporting travel, communication, logistics and service provision. The South African public-sector recorded a second consecutive year of capital expenditure growth, boosted mainly by increased spending by public corporations. Capital expenditure includes money that is spent on machinery, construction, equipment, buildings, land and other fixed assets. In   read more »


Sequencing the DNA of provincial economies

Sequencing the DNA of provincial economies

Each province has its own unique economic profile. The latest set of regional gross domestic product (GDP) figures paint a picture of what drives economic activity in each province. The data also shows what each province brings to the economic table of the country. Which industries drive your provincial economy? Gauteng is the nation’s economic   read more »


Consumer inflation retreats further in September

Consumer inflation retreats further in September

Annual consumer inflation cooled for a fourth consecutive month, easing to 3,8% in September from 4,4% in August. This is the lowest inflation print since March 2021, when the rate was 3,2%. On average, prices increased by 0,1% between August 2024 and September 2024. Transport inflation continues to ease Softer transport inflation – specifically lower fuel prices –   read more »


Economic wrap-up for September 2024

Economic wrap-up for September 2024

Stats SA published several quarterly and annual reports in September, along with the usual set of monthly indicators. South African economy expands in the second quarter The month began with the release of the latest gross domestic product (GDP) figures, covering the second quarter of the year. The economy saw some growth, mainly lifted by   read more »


Employment rises in SA’s formal non-agricultural sector during Q2:2024

Employment rises in SA’s formal non-agricultural sector during Q2:2024

According to the Quarterly Employment Statistics (QES, Q2:2024) survey released by Statistics South Africa (Stats SA), total employment in the formal non-agricultural sector increased by 42 000 in the second quarter of 2024, bringing the level of employment to 10,7 million. According to the survey 144 000 jobs were lost between June 2023 and June 2024.   read more »


Inflation dips below 4,5%

Inflation dips below 4,5%

Consumer inflation slowed for a third consecutive month, cooling to 4,4% in August from 4,6% in July. This is the lowest inflation print since April 2021 when the rate was also 4,4%. Lower annual rates were recorded for several product groups, most notably transport, housing, and restaurants & hotels. In contrast, inflation for food & non-alcoholic   read more »


SA economy grows in the second quarter

SA economy grows in the second quarter

The South African economy strengthened by 0,4%1 in the second quarter (April–June) of 2024. The finance, manufacturing, trade, and electricity, gas & water supply industries drove most of the economy’s momentum on the production (supply) side. On the expenditure (demand) side, household consumption, government consumption and a build-up in inventories contributed favourably to growth. Seven   read more »


Economic wrap-up for August 2024

Economic wrap-up for August 2024

The latest set of economic indicators paint a preliminary picture of economic performance in the second quarter (April–June). The quarter in a nutshell Several sectors enjoyed positive gains in the second quarter of 2024 compared with the first quarter of 2024. These include manufacturing, electricity generation, construction (buildings reported as completed to larger municipalities), wholesale   read more »


Which EBAs receive the most revenue?

Which EBAs receive the most revenue?

A picture can tell an intricate story. The graphic below speaks for 257 public institutions. Figure 1 shows the distribution of revenue across South Africa’s extra-budgetary accounts and funds (EBAs). In the 2022/23 financial year, EBAs received or generated R390,2 billion in revenue, according to the latest data. EBAs play a significant role in the financial management   read more »