The manufacturing industry recorded the third consecutive quarter-on-quarter contraction in 2014, shrinking by 3,4% in the third quarter of 2014. In the second quarter manufacturing posted a growth rate of -4,0% and in the first quarter -6,4%.  The other industry that recorded a negative growth rate in the third quarter was electricity, gas and water,   read more »

On Tuesday, 25 November 2014, Stats SA will introduce new and improved GDP estimates. In the following video clip, the Deputy Director-General for Economic Statistics, Joe de Beer, provides a brief overview of the changes and what you can expect from Tuesday’s release. Click here for the video clip To ensure that gross domestic product   read more »

The total turnover measured for selected industries increased by 8,9%, from R6,4 trillion in 2012 to just under R7,0 trillion in 2013, despite a decrease of 11 324 enterprises between the two years1. Enterprises in the electricity, gas and water supply industry experienced the largest percentage increase in turnover (+12,5%). The results on what drives income   read more »

The headline inflation rate was steady at 5,9% in October 2014.  A 2,6% monthly increase in the price of beer was the main driver of the 0,2% change in the headline CPI between September and October.  For the first time, consumers now pay an average of R50 for a six pack of 340ml cans of locally made beer. Wine   read more »

The percentage of females employed in the community and social services sector (which includes government services) has shown the largest increase between 2001 and 2014, at just over 10%. The trade industry has shown the greatest decrease in the percentage of women employed (-9,8%), followed by the manufacturing (-3,5%) and agriculture (-2,2%) industries. This is   read more »

Subdued monthly Producer price index (PPI) in September led the annual PPI for final manufactured goods (headline PPI) to drop to 6,9% from 7,2% in August. Food products, beverages and tobacco products remain the main contributors to the annual PPI. Monthly PPI for agriculture increased with 3,2% in September due to higher prices of live   read more »

Quarterly changes reflect an increase in employment (22 000) and a decrease in unemployment (3 000). This resulted in a slight decrease in the unemployment rate from 25,5% in quarter 2: 2014 to 25,4% (0,1 of a percentage point) in quarter 3: 2014. Job gains were recorded in both the formal (88 000) and informal (28 000) sectors between   read more »

MEDIA ADVISORY For Immediate Release Date: 24 October 2014 Contact: Lesedi Dibakwane 0828057088 lesedid@statssa.gov.za Release of Quarterly Labour Force Survey Third Quarter (Q3) Results Statistician General Pali Lehohla, will release the results of the Quarterly Labour Force Survey (QLFS) for the Third Quarter of 2014. The Quarterly Labour Force Survey (QLFS) is a household-based survey   read more »

On 25 November 2014 Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) will publish the first estimates of gross domestic product for the 3rd quarter of 2014. This statistical release will, however, differ from previous releases in two important aspects. Benchmarking and rebasing It is good international practice to periodically change the reference year used in economic statistics,   read more »

The annual inflation rate dropped to 5,9% in September from 6,4% in August. This is the first month since February that it is below the ceiling of the Reserve Bank’s target. The 0,5% drop in the rate was largely because of a 67c/l drop in the petrol price. This is equivalent to a decrease of   read more »