The painful rise in fuel prices this week follows a long series of increases over the years. Historical data shows when the country faced its biggest price shocks, and how recent increases compare. Tracking the petrol price over time Figure 1 shows how the price of inland 93-octane petrol has risen since 1976, drawing on data   read more »

Several energy sources drive our economy. A recent report on the electricity, gas & water supply industry provides insight into the structure of electricity supply and use.   Where does our electricity come from? Coal continues to be the primary source of fuel, driving 83% of local electricity generation in 2024 (see Figure 1 below). South   read more »

Stats SA’s publication schedule was quieter in April, with 20 statistical releases published in the month. The latest economic figures cover the month of February. On the upside Most indicators were positive year-on-year. Mining; construction (buildings completed as reported by large municipalities); retail trade sales; motor trade sales; tourist accommodation; restaurants, catering & fast-food; and   read more »

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 »

Multidimensional child poverty refers to children experiencing multiple and overlapping deprivations simultaneously across key aspects of well‑being, not only income. These deprivations affect their development, survival and future opportunities. A recent report by Stats SA and UNICEF, Child Poverty in South Africa: Assessing Changes in Multidimensional Poverty using the MODA Approach (2015–2023), examines trends in   read more »

According to the Quarterly Employment Statistics (QES, Q4:2025) survey released by Statistics South Africa (Stats SA), total employment in the formal non-agricultural sector increased by18 000 (0,2%) in the fourth quarter of 2025, with employment rising from 10,533 million in September 2025 to 10,551 million by December 2025. According to the survey, 102 000 jobs were   read more »

South Africa’s tourism sector had a rough time during the COVID-19 pandemic. Plummeting visitor numbers led to a decline in economic activity and job losses across the industry. Recovery has been slow, but recent data show a positive trend. Employment, economic activity and domestic tourism expenditure have all rebounded, according to the latest Tourism Satellite   read more »

South Africa’s international tourism sector recorded a strong recovery in 2025, surpassing pre-pandemic levels for the first time since global travel disruptions. According to the Tourism report (2025) released by Statistics South Africa (Stats SA), the country welcomed 10,5 million tourists in 2025, representing a 17,7% increase from the 8,9 million tourists recorded in 2024.   read more »

For millions of households, navigating medical costs is a delicate balancing act—one that reveals who can access quality care, who must sacrifice to afford it, and who is left to depend entirely on public services. While private medical cover remains out of reach for most, households still dig into their pockets to pay for essentials   read more »