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 »

Discovering the pathways that energy takes through the economy is the aim of the latest set of physical energy flow accounts. The accounts, published in a recent discussion document in the Stats SA Natural Capital series, cover the period 2015 to 2021 and provide a detailed overview of the flow of energy from its source   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 »

According to the Quarterly Employment Statistics (QES, Q3:2024) survey released by Statistics South Africa (Stats SA), total employment in the formal non-agricultural sector decreased by 133 000 in the third quarter of 2024, bringing the level of employment to 10,6 million. According to the survey 294 000 jobs were lost between September 2023 and September 2024.   read more »

In South Africa, employment in private households represents a crucial segment of the labour market, making a significant contribution to total employment despite being relatively vulnerable and largely informal. According to data from the Q3: 2024 Quarterly Labour Force Survey (QLFS), approximately 1,1 million South Africans are employed in private households, with 75,7% (or 854 000) working   read more »

Stats SA published 23 statistical releases in October, many of which provide fresh data on the state of the economy. The latest monthly indicators Nationally, mining activity increased by a marginal 0,3% year-on-year in August. Manganese ore, platinum group metals and chromium ore were the largest drivers of growth. Nickel and copper also recorded a   read more »

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 »

Stats SA has published monthly residential property price indices for provinces and metropolitan areas since March 2023. Here is a rundown of the latest inflation data for the housing market. The Residential Property Price Index (RPPI) measures the change in prices for all dwellings, including houses, townhouses, and flats that are purchased by private individuals.1 The   read more »