The South African economy maintained its positive momentum in the first quarter of 2026 (January–March). Real gross domestic product (GDP) increased by 0,5%,1 marking a sixth consecutive quarter of growth. Finance, agriculture, trade and transport did the heavy lifting on the production (supply) side of the economy. The expenditure (demand) side was supported by a   read more »

Stats SA published 25 statistical releases in May, with many providing a preliminary snapshot of economic performance in the first quarter (January–March). Business indicators largely upbeat The first quarter of 2026 was mainly positive, with stronger results from mining; wholesale trade sales; motor trade sales; tourist accommodation; restaurants, catering & fast-food; and rail & road   read more »

Earlier in the month, Stats SA reported the notable impact of higher fuel prices on consumer inflation.1 Producers were not spared either, according to data released this week. Manufacturers are also feeling the heat Fuel price increases also affected prices at the factory gate, as measured by the headline producer price index (PPI). The annual   read more »

The painful rise in fuel prices this week follows a long series of increases over the years. Historical data shows when the country faced its biggest price shocks, and how recent increases compare. Tracking the petrol price over time Figure 1 shows how the price of inland 93-octane petrol has risen since 1976, drawing on data   read more »

Several energy sources drive our economy. A recent report on the electricity, gas & water supply industry provides insight into the structure of electricity supply and use.   Where does our electricity come from? Coal continues to be the primary source of fuel, driving 83% of local electricity generation in 2024 (see Figure 1 below). South   read more »

Stats SA’s publication schedule was quieter in April, with 20 statistical releases published in the month. The latest economic figures cover the month of February. On the upside Most indicators were positive year-on-year. Mining; construction (buildings completed as reported by large municipalities); retail trade sales; motor trade sales; tourist accommodation; restaurants, catering & fast-food; and   read more »

The cost of living rose by 3,1% in the 12 months to March, according to the latest consumer price index (CPI). This is slightly up from 3,0% recorded in February. Prices increased on average by 0,6% in March 2026 compared with February 2026. Six of the 13 categories in the CPI basket recorded higher annual rates, including restaurants   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 »

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 »