IMPROVING LIVES THROUGH DATA ECOSYSTEMS

In the first five months of 2008, manufacturing production increased by 2,9% compared with the same period in 2007, but this was lower than the increase of 6,1% reported for the same period in 2007. Following a large increase of 10,2% in April 2008 compared with April 2007, manufacturing production increased by 0,7% in May 2008 compared with May 2007.The moderation in level of production in May 2008 is a result of a return to the normal production cycle that was not the case in April 2008 which had additional production days opposed to April 2007. The higher production in April 2008 is partly attributed to a longer working month in April 2008 compared with April 2007 due to the Easter period shifting from April 2007 to March 2008. The estimated seasonally adjusted manufacturing production for the three months ended May 2008 increased by 2,0% compared with the previous three months. Higher production levels were reported by eight of the ten manufacturing divisions.

The estimated total value of sales of manufactured products at current prices for the three months ended May 2008 increased by 10,4% (R31 645 million), after seasonal adjustment, compared with the previous three months. Higher manufacturing sales were reported by all ten manufacturing divisions during this period.