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 »

The latest round of monthly business cycle indicators concludes the results for 2025, providing a preliminary snapshot of economic performance in the fourth quarter of 2025 and for the calendar year. The year was generally positive, according to selected indicators shown in Figure 1 below. Many indicators were stronger, with decreases recorded for manufacturing, electricity generation,   read more »

Debt can quickly become a curse if businesses take on more than they can handle. The most recent financial data from Stats SA covers debt in the formal business sector, highlighting industries that might be more at risk, with a particular focus on small enterprises. Businesses borrowed less in 2024 Total debt (i.e. liabilities) in   read more »

Stats SA kick-started the year with 20 statistical releases, with fresh economic data for November 2025. Indicators that were positive year-on-year in November 2025 include construction (buildings completed as reported by large municipalities); retail trade; tourist accommodation; restaurants, catering & fast-food; and rail transport (freight and passenger). Mining, manufacturing, electricity generation, wholesale trade, motor trade and   read more »

Annual consumer price inflation eased to 3,5% in November from 3,6% in October. The monthly change in the consumer price index (CPI) was -0,1%. Annual inflation cooled in five of the 13 product categories, most notably transport; recreation, sport & culture; and information & communication. Four categories registered no change. Food & non-alcoholic beverages (NAB),   read more »

Employment in SA’s formal non-agricultural sector edged up in the third quarter of 2025, according to the latest Quarterly Employment Statistics (QES) released by Statistics South Africa. The survey shows a gain of 29 000 jobs (0,3%), with employment rising from 10,52 million in June 2025 to 10,55 million in September 2025. However, year-on-year figures paint a different   read more »

Real gross domestic product (GDP) expanded by 0,5% in the third quarter (July–September) of 2025.1 This follows a revised increase of 0,9% in the second quarter and marks the fourth consecutive rise in economic activity. Mining grows the most Nine of the ten industries on the production (supply) side of the economy were stronger in   read more »

The latest round of economic data provides clues on how well the economy performed in the third quarter (July–September) of the year. Monthly indicators largely positive Except for electricity generation, freight transport, and road passenger transport, business indicators were upbeat in the third quarter (Figure 1). Mining activity expanded by 2,5%, with platinum group metals driving   read more »

Stats SA published 23 statistical releases in October 2025. Notable economic outputs include data on public-sector infrastructure investment, and financial figures for higher education institutions. Public-sector capital spending is on a three-year upswing The 748 institutions that comprise South Africa’s public sector injected R276 billion into infrastructure projects in 2024, raising capital expenditure for a third   read more »

October marks Transport month in South Africa, a time to reflect on the progress and challenges in building a transport system that works for all. This year’s theme, “Implementing an integrated, sustainable, and safe transport system that promotes inclusive economic growth, job retention and creation, and social development,” captures the broader vision of a transport   read more »