IMPROVING LIVES THROUGH DATA ECOSYSTEMS

In the first four months of 2008, manufacturing production increased by 3,3% compared with the same period in 2007, but this was lower than the increase of 5,8% reported for the same period in 2007. Manufacturing production increased by 9,8% in April 2008 compared with April 2007 following a decrease of 1% reported for March 2008. Higher production in April 2008 may be partly attributed to a longer working month in April 2008 compared with April 2007 owing to the Easter period shifting from April 2007 to March 2008. The estimated seasonally adjusted manufacturing production for the three months ended April 2008 increased by 2,3% compared with the previous three months. Higher production levels were reported by nine of the ten manufacturing divisions.

The estimated total value of sales of manufactured products at current prices for the three months ended April 2008 increased by 11,8% (R34 928 million), after seasonal adjustment, compared with the previous three months. Higher manufacturing sales were reported by all ten manufacturing divisions during this period.