South Africa’s commercial agricultural industry is notable for its wide variety of crops, horticultural products and livestock. A recent release breaks it all down, providing data on the industry’s most popular products. The Agricultural industry, 2023 statistical report summarises data from thousands of farms across the country, revealing interesting nuggets of information. Maize and sugarcane   read more »

Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) will roll out an updated questionnaire for the Quarterly Labour Force Survey (QLFS) data collection in Quarter 3, aligning it with the latest international standards. Since its inception, the QLFS has served as a crucial instrument for understanding the South African labour market. Stats SA has diligently revised its questionnaire   read more »

Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) has updated and revised the Census 2022 Municipal Profiles following a comprehensive assessment of census themes, variables, and geographic layers. These updates enhance the depth and accuracy of the data available to the public, researchers, and policymakers. Expanded Variables in SuperCROSS – Census 2022 Municipal Profiles New variables, which were   read more »

The latest set of monthly economic data is mainly positive, with several indicators strengthening on a year-on-year basis in May. Consumer spending was stronger, with retail trade, motor trade, tourist accommodation and restaurants, catering & fast-food extending their gains. On the downside, wholesale trade, road freight transport and road passenger transport recorded a weaker month   read more »

Behind every statistic is a story — and South Africa’s population tells a powerful one. From shifting demographics to growing numbers, here are six revealing snapshots from the Mid-Year Population Estimates, 2025 (MYPE) report, that shows who we are right now. 1.South Africa’s Population Hits 63,1 Million in 2025 South Africa’s mid-year population is estimated   read more »

After holding steady at 2,8% in April and May, consumer inflation edged higher to 3,0% in June. The month-on-month change in the consumer price index (CPI) was 0,3%. Food inflation accelerates further The annual rate for food & non-alcoholic beverages (NAB) reached a 15-month high of 5,1% in June. Meat – particularly beef – continues   read more »

Amanzimtoti Main Beach was reopened last week following the end of 2025’s sardine run.1 The annual mass migration of fish, which occurs between May and July, is a boon for local fishing communities along the KwaZulu-Natal coast. The sardine run highlights South Africa’s rich marine resources, which contribute to a vibrant fishing industry. A recent   read more »

June was a busy month for Stats SA’s publication schedule, with 28 releases published in the month. Lacklustre economic growth in the first quarter June began with the release of the latest gross domestic product (GDP) estimates, for the first quarter (January–March) of 2025. GDP expanded by a muted 0,1%, with agriculture leading the increase.   read more »

The provision of free basic services to millions of households stems from the Free Basic Services (FBS) policy adopted in 2001. The policy outlined government’s intention to provide free services to the poorest (indigent) households. Over time, the FBS has expanded to include policies for free basic water, electricity, sewerage & sanitation and solid waste   read more »

Government financial data might be overwhelming at first, especially for the non-expert. Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) publishes a wealth of government financial statistics. The two tables and overview below provide a useful summary of how the figures can be read and interpreted. The first table presents an overview of government’s current cash flow position, classifying   read more »