Forestry & logging is the second smallest of 16 industries covered by Stats SA’s structural industry surveys. To get a sense of scale, manufacturing – the biggest of the 16 – is 82 times larger if income is used as a measure. Despite its relatively small size, forestry & logging produces essential raw materials used   read more »

In South Africa, many newborns die, with thousands failing to breathe at all and many others dying within days of birth, showing a significant public health concern. The latest report from Statistics South Africa (Stats SA), Perinatal Deaths in South Africa, 2016–2020, published on 31 March 2025 highlights that stillbirths have more than doubled since   read more »

MEDIA ADVISORY                                                                        13 April 2025 Statistician-General to Visit Mamelodi to Address Misinformation and Strengthen Public Trust in National Data Collection   Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) invites members of the media to attend a community engagement session in Mamelodi, to be led by the Statistician-General of South Africa, Mr Risenga Maluleke. The engagement forms part   read more »

MEDIA STATEMENT 10 April 2025 Protecting the Integrity of Stats SA’s National Data Collection. Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) is aware of misinformation currently circulating regarding our data collection activities, including false allegations that our survey officers (fieldworkers) are involved in criminal activities. We want to assure the public that we are committed to maintaining   read more »

Marriage, once a milestone eagerly reached in the early twenties, is now being postponed as individuals prioritise careers, personal growth, and independence. In modern times, love and commitment are no longer bound by age but by readiness. Across the globe, the traditional timeline for tying the knot is shifting, and South Africa is no exception.   read more »

Coal provided the bulk of South Africa’s energy supply in 2021, according to the latest physical energy flow accounts. The electricity, gas & steam supply industry was the biggest user, relying heavily on coal to generate electricity. Coal was also the country’s biggest energy export. Explore how energy products flow through our economy, as well   read more »

Stats SA had a bumper schedule in March, with 35 releases published on a wide range of topics. Key economic outputs included the latest gross domestic product (GDP) estimates, formal-sector employment, data on electricity generation and a comprehensive set of energy flow accounts. Agriculture, trade and finance push the economy forward After a bumpy third   read more »

Every year, thousands of babies in South Africa never get to take their first breath, while many others die within days of birth. The latest report from Statistics South Africa (Stats SA), Perinatal Deaths in South Africa, 2016–2020, highlights a concerning trend: stillbirths have more than doubled since 1997, reaching 15,908 in 2020. Early neonatal   read more »

Despite a significant post-pandemic recovery, South Africa’s international tourism sector remains 12,8% below 2019 levels, highlighting the country’s slow path to full recovery. However, according to the Tourism, 2024 report released by Statistics South Africa (Stats SA), South Africa remained a top destination in 2024, with a total of 8,9 million tourists arriving in the   read more »

Note: Figure 1 in the original version of this article (published on 27 March 2025) was incomplete, listing nine municipalities in the chart instead of ten. The article was revised on 08 April 2025 with a corrected Figure 1. Bucket toilets remain the thorn in the flesh of several municipalities. Despite an overall decline in the use of municipal bucket toilets   read more »