If you want to know what matters to the government, look at its budget. An analysis of audited financial statements for 705 government institutions highlights South Africa’s fiscal priorities. General government spent R2,4 trillion in 2023/24,1 according to the latest Financial statistics of consolidated general government statistical release.2 The general public services category was the largest   read more »

South Africa’s latest labour market results show that the unemployment rate fell to 31,9% in the third quarter of 2025, down by 1,3 percentage points from the previous quarter. While the decline in the official rate is encouraging, Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) says there’s more to understanding the world of work than this single   read more »

In a year marked by fewer births and shifting demographics, one thing remains constant: the power of a name. According to the latest Recorded Live Births (RLB) data from Statistics South Africa, parents in 2024 showed a clear preference for names that reflect joy, resilience, and cultural pride. Lethabo, Lubanzi, and Nkazimulo topped the charts   read more »

The latest set of physical energy flow accounts released by Stats SA provides two new energy indicators which answer the following questions: To what extent does South Africa depend on energy products of other countries to meet its energy needs, and how much energy do South African households use per person? Physical energy flow accounts   read more »

Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) has released a statistical product on small area population estimates at the electoral ward level. The population estimates were produced using Census 2011 and Census 2022 data. This product provides insights into age and sex structure as well as population group dynamics at this level of geography based on 2020   read more »

Annual consumer inflation rose to 3,6% in October from 3,4% in September. This is the highest inflation print since September 2024 when the rate was 3,8%. The consumer price index (CPI) increased by 0,1% month-on-month in October 2025. The transport; recreation, sport & culture; and alcoholic beverages & tobacco categories recorded hotter annual rates. Inflation cooled for   read more »

Stats SA published 23 statistical releases in October 2025. Notable economic outputs include data on public-sector infrastructure investment, and financial figures for higher education institutions. Public-sector capital spending is on a three-year upswing The 748 institutions that comprise South Africa’s public sector injected R276 billion into infrastructure projects in 2024, raising capital expenditure for a third   read more »

Public-sector spending on infrastructure and other fixed assets continued an upward trajectory, rising to R276 billion in 2024 from R234 billion in 2023. This marks a third successive increase following a five-year downturn. Despite the positive momentum, the total remains below the peak of R283 billion in 2016. The public sector includes national government and provincial government departments,   read more »

How easily can South African households access the justice system – and what do they think of it once they do? A new report released by Statistics South Africa (Stats SA), the Governance, Public Safety and Justice Survey (GPSJS) 2024/25, paints a revealing picture of citizens’ engagement with the country’s courts and correctional services. In   read more »

October marks Transport month in South Africa, a time to reflect on the progress and challenges in building a transport system that works for all. This year’s theme, “Implementing an integrated, sustainable, and safe transport system that promotes inclusive economic growth, job retention and creation, and social development,” captures the broader vision of a transport   read more »