22 October 2026

Statistics South Africa to release results of the benchmarked and rebased Gross Domestic Product (GDP) estimates

Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) will release rebased and benchmarked Gross Domestic Product (GDP) estimates, along with restated provincial GDP estimates, at a media briefing in Tshwane on Thursday, 29 October 2026.

Rebasing involves changing the reference year for constant-price estimates in national accounts. In the 2026 rebasing, the reference year for South Africa was changed from 2015 to 2022. Benchmarking, by contrast, involves improvements in data, classifications, and methodologies for compiling national accounts to ensure that major changes in the economy’s structure are incorporated into GDP calculations.

In line with international standards and best practice, Stats SA has rebased and benchmarked GDP to ensure that the GDP measurement remains reflective of the South African economy and relevant amid structural changes over time.

Rebasing and benchmarking of GDP estimates occur every five years. Stats SA released the results of the last rebasing and benchmarking in South Africa in 2021. With a five-year frequency, the new base year would have been 2020; however, because 2020 was not a normal year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, 2022 was chosen as it was relatively stable.

Press briefing will be held as follows:Date: Thursday, 29 October 2026Extended Lockup: 10:00 -11:00 Embargo lifted at: 11:00Presentation: 11:00Venue: Statistics South Africa building (ISIbalo House), Koch Street, Salvokop, Pretoria

For media inquiries and RSVP, contact: Felicia Sithole Tel: 012 339 2401 Cell: 0764300693 Email: felicias@statssa.gov.za Sivuyile Mangxamba: Cell: 0828882372: Email: SivuyileMA@statssa.gov.za

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