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 »

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 »

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 »

September was a busy month for Stats SA’s publication schedule. The statistical agency published 25 statistical releases, with several providing quarterly and annual updates. Provincial and national GDP Stats SA released its latest provincial gross domestic product (GDP) estimates, for the period 2013 to 2024. Six of the nine provinces experienced an increase in economic   read more »

Each province forms a unique slice of the national economy. The latest provincial gross domestic product (GDP) estimates provide insight into the current state of our regional economies, shedding light on the industries that drive production across the country. Six provinces are better off Of the nine provinces, six recorded a rise in economic activity   read more »