Annual consumer inflation increased for a third consecutive month in October, verging on the upper limit of the South African Reserve Bank’s inflation target range. The headline rate was 5,9%, up from 5,4% in September. Consumer prices increased on average by 0,9% between September and October, the highest monthly rise in three months. The following   read more »

Annual consumer inflation reached another 13-year high, increasing to 7,8% in July from 7,4% in June. Transport; food and non-alcoholic beverages (NAB); and housing and utilities continue to place upward pressure on the annual rate. Bread & cereals, oils & fats, fuel and electricity all made a notable impact on this month’s reading. The consumer   read more »

The year 2022 was tough, with soaring prices and rising interest rates leaving average consumers feeling the pinch. South Africa’s average inflation rate for 2022 was 6,9%, higher than the 4,5% recorded for 2021. The 2022 reading is the highest annual average rate since 2009 – the end of the global financial crisis. Explore inflation,   read more »

Despite rising interest rates and worsening economic conditions, South Africans seem to be coping with their debt. Data from the South African Reserve Bank and Stats SA’s Statistics of civil cases for debt release indicates some resilience on the part of South African debtors. The South African Reserve Bank hiked the repo rate twice in   read more »

In 2022, South Africa had a population of 62 million persons, with around 3,3 million individuals identified as living with disabilities. A recent report from Statistics South Africa, titled “Profiling Socio-economic Status and Living Arrangements of Persons with Disabilities in South Africa, 2011–2022,” revealed that disability prevalence varied across different measures. The findings, which are   read more »

June was a bumper month for statistical reports. Stats SA published 40 releases in the month, providing monthly, quarterly and annual economic updates. Here are a few highlights. The South African economy weakens in the first quarter The month began with the release of the latest gross domestic product (GDP) figures. The economy contracted by   read more »

  After a bumper month in March, Stats SA’s publication schedule was quieter in April. The statistical agency published 20 releases, many of which provide an update on the state of the economy. Consumer inflation remains above 5% Annual consumer inflation declined to 5,3% in March after climbing for the first two months of the   read more »

Stats SA published 25 statistical releases in November. Here is a quick overview of the latest economic indicators. Employment surpasses pre-COVID-19 levels Covering a sample of about 30 000 households across the country, the Quarterly Labour Force Survey reported a rise in employment figures in the South African workforce. The economy created 399 000 jobs in the   read more »

Municipalities generate most of their revenue from electricity sales. Those involved in providing services buy electricity from producers (such as Eskom) and then resell the power to households, businesses and other institutions. The resulting surplus from this trade is a vital source of income. Electricity’s contribution to revenue Municipalities spent R50,2 billion on electricity purchases in   read more »

Stats SA published a variety of reports, statistical releases and discussion documents in September. Here is a rundown of key economic indicators. GDP: SA invests in machinery & equipment and households cut back on spending In September, Stats SA released both national and provincial gross domestic product (GDP) figures. On the national front, GDP recorded   read more »