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 »

Stats SA had a busy month in March, publishing 35 statistical releases. Key economic outputs include monthly business cycle indicators for January, gross domestic product (GDP) estimates for the fourth quarter of 2025 and fresh data on tourism from two separate sources. January was a mixed bag Mining; retail trade sales; motor trade sales; tourist   read more »

Headline consumer inflation cooled to 3,0% in February from 3,5% in January. The monthly change in the consumer price index (CPI) was 0,4%. To understand why inflation decreased this month, it is useful to compare the monthly change in February this year (0,4%) with February 2025 (0,9%). February’s monthly print was lower than average, and this   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 »

Households and individuals in South Africa are reporting slightly greater financial adequacy than a decade ago — but many still say their income falls short of meeting their everyday needs. This is one of the key insights emerging from Statistics South Africa’s new report titled: Subjective Poverty in South Africa: Findings from the Income &   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 »

Several tertiary education institutions are starting a new academic year this month. Stats SA provides the latest update on how higher education fees have shifted over time. Just over 10 years ago, students across the country launched widespread protests against rising tuition fees. This had an impact on the finances of higher education institutions, covered   read more »

While most learners in South Africa are able to access education, particularly at basic education level, a new report by Statistics South Africa highlights those who remain excluded from the education they aspire to, largely due to cost pressures. Despite education being a national priority, rising education-related expenses continue to place learning opportunities beyond the   read more »

Consumer price inflation dipped to 3,5% in January from 3,6% in December, returning to its November 2025 level. Stable food inflation and lower fuel prices contributed to the lower headline rate. The monthly change in the consumer price index (CPI) was 0,2%, the same as December’s reading. Food inflation remained at 4,4% for a third consecutive   read more »