Data from 745 institutions provides an update on public-sector investment in infrastructure. A number of institutions pulled back on capital expenditure in 2021, while others increased their spending. Public-sector capital expenditure decreased by R6,1 billion (-3,0%) between 2020 and 2021, from R204,3 billion to R198,2 billion, representing the fifth consecutive year of decline. Capital expenditure represents money spent   read more »

According to a new report released by Statistics South Africa (Stats SA), there is a 9,1 percentage point increase in the proportion of individuals that have experienced one or more disputes between 2018/19 and 2021/22 reporting periods.   The types of disputes experienced range from poor service from government and business, conflict with neighbours, corruption,   read more »

Annual consumer price inflation slowed to 7,5% in September from 7,6% in August, edging further down from the 13-year high of 7,8% recorded in July. Fuel prices declined for a second consecutive month, contributing to the softer headline rate. The monthly change in the consumer price index (CPI) for September was 0,1%, lower than 0,2%   read more »

MEDIA ADVISORY                                                                             13 October 2022   Statistician-General to release the “Gender Series Volume IX: Women Empowerment”, 2017–2022 Report. The Statistician-General of South Africa, Mr Risenga Maluleke, will release the findings of the Gender Series Volume IX: Women Empowerment, 2017-2022 report at a media briefing to be held on Tuesday, 18 October in Pretoria. The report   read more »

South Africa’s 122 provincial government departments spent R613,6 billion in 2020/21, according to the latest Financial statistics of provincial government statistical release. This is R16,9 billion more than the R596,8 billion recorded in 2019/20, representing a rise of 2,8%.1 The 2,8% rise is muted compared with the previous three years that recorded increases of around 7,0%. A closer   read more »

According to the Quarterly Employment Statistics (QES, Q2:2022) survey released by Statistics South Africa (Stats SA), total employment in the formal non-agricultural sector decreased by 119 000 in the second quarter of 2022, bringing the level of total employment to approximately 9,9 million. The survey showed that jobs increased by 74 000 between June 2021 and   read more »

Annual consumer inflation dipped to 7,6% in August from 7,8% in July. The monthly increase in the consumer price index (CPI) was 0,2%, the lowest reading since January 2022 when it was also 0,2%. Fuel prices decreased by 3,8% between July and August, with petrol falling by 5,0% and diesel by 0,9%. This pushed the   read more »

After two consecutive quarters of positive growth, real gross domestic product (GDP) decreased by 0,7%1 in the second quarter of 2022 (Q2: 2022). The devastating floods in KwaZulu-Natal and load shedding contributed to the decline, weakening an already fragile national economy that had just recovered to pre-pandemic levels. Manufacturing the biggest drag on GDP The flooding   read more »

The 254 institutions known as extra-budgetary accounts and funds (EBAs) form an important arm of government. Financial data for 2020/21 (1 April to 31 March) show a sharp rise in EBA spending as government rushed to mitigate the impact of the pandemic. Much of the increase was on social benefits, mainly for the COVID-19 Temporary   read more »

Over the past few years, South Africa has seen rising levels of crime. The issue of crime is one that is experienced by almost all citizens, irrespective of their economic status or where they live. New data released by Statistics South Africa shows that household crimes experienced in the twelve months preceding the interview increased   read more »