Nationally, mining activity<\/a> increased by a marginal 0,3% year-on-year in August. Manganese ore, platinum group metals and chromium ore were the largest drivers of growth. Nickel and copper also recorded a good month.<\/p>\n Retail trade<\/a> was also positive, rising by 3,2% year-on-year. Six of the seven retail groups registered robust results, with general dealers driving much of the upward momentum.<\/p>\n On the downside, manufacturing<\/a> was weaker by 1,2%, with five of the ten manufacturing divisions recording a decline in activity. The automotive and iron, steel & machinery divisions were the largest drags on overall growth.<\/p>\n Other sectors that recorded weaker year-on-year results in August include wholesale trade<\/a>, motor trade<\/a>, freight (both rail and road)<\/a> and road passenger transport<\/a> (Figure\u00a01).<\/p>\n Consumer inflation records a fourth consecutive decline<\/strong><\/p>\n Annual consumer inflation<\/a> cooled further in September to 3,8%, the lowest rate since March\u00a02021 (3,2%). Transport entered deflationary territory, mainly dragged lower by softer fuel prices.<\/p>\n Annual food & non-alcoholic beverages inflation was more stubborn, unchanged from August. Vegetables, fruit, cold beverages and fish recorded higher inflation rates in September, while lower annual rates were recorded for hot beverages; meat; bread & cereals; sugar, sweets & desserts; and oils & fats.<\/p>\n Public-sector infrastructure spending up for a second straight year<\/strong><\/p>\n Stats SA also publishes data on capital expenditure from South Africa\u2019s 749 public-sector \u00a0institutions, which includes public corporations; national, provincial and local government; extra-budgetary accounts and funds; and higher education institutions. The latest data from 2023 shows public-sector capital spending rising for a second consecutive year<\/a> to R233\u00a0billion, driven mainly by public corporations. Eskom was the largest spender, accounting for R39\u00a0billion (or 17% of the total).<\/p>\n Despite the two-year upswing, public-sector capital expenditure remains below the 2016 peak of R283\u00a0billion.<\/p>\n What to look forward to in November<\/strong><\/p>\n The next round of employment and unemployment figures<\/a>, covering the third quarter of the year, are due for release on 12 November. Annual financial statistics<\/a> for the private sector and consolidated financial statistics for general government<\/a> will be published on 28 November.<\/p>\n Interested to know more? Keep up to date with our publication schedule here<\/a>. For a comprehensive list of products and releases, download our catalogue here<\/a>. For a regular update of indicators and infographics, visit our data story feed<\/a> and download the latest edition of the Stats Biz newsletter<\/a>.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Stats SA published 23 statistical releases in October, many of which provide fresh data on the state of the economy. The latest monthly indicators Nationally, mining activity increased by a marginal 0,3% year-on-year in August. Manganese ore, platinum group metals and chromium ore were the largest drivers of growth. Nickel and copper also recorded a read more »<\/a><\/p>\n![\"Pic0811N\"](\"https:\/\/www.statssa.gov.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Pic0811N-300x246.jpg\")
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