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 »

South Africa will mark 32 years of freedom on 27 April this year, commemorating the first democratic elections held on the same day and month in 1994. For the first time, millions of South Africans of all races were able to vote, marking the end of apartheid and the beginning of a new political era   read more »

The countdown to South Africa’s 2026 local government elections has begun. With the municipal council term in South Africa expiring on 1 November 2026, the preparations for the next general elections are underway. On 10 March 2026, the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) announced that voter registration for the 2026 local government elections will take place   read more »

South African tourism had a rough time during the COVID-19 pandemic. Plummeting visitor numbers led to job losses across the sector. Recovery has been slow, but recent data show a positive trend. In 2019, an estimated 777686 individuals were directly employed by the tourism sector, declining sharply to 456311 individuals in 2020 as the pandemic   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 »