Category Archives: Households

Only 10% of waste recycled in South Africa

Only 10% of waste recycled in South Africa

Did you know that 90% of an estimated 59 million tonnes of general waste produced in South Africa in 2011 ended up in landfills, while only 10% was recycled?1 The rapid growth in solid waste and the fact that there is a shortage of suitable land to dispose of waste means that South Africa is   read more »


The latest household statistics and more

Service delivery protests in South Africa have become a widespread occurrence in recent years. Residents take to the streets in protest against poor services received in their communities, hoping that their voices will be heard and their problems fixed. Communities are raising their voices about issues such as access to electricity, housing, water and sanitation,   read more »


Energy and the poor: a municipal breakdown

Energy and the poor: a municipal breakdown

In April, government reaffirmed its commitment to renewable energy. The Department of Energy signed agreements with 27 independent power producers (IPPs), effectively unlocking R56 billion that will be invested in renewable energy projects across the country, predominantly in rural areas. Jeff Radebe, the Minister of Energy, outlined the importance of moving forward with renewable energy   read more »


Five facts about the retail trade industry

Five facts about the retail trade industry

The South African trade industry is made up of five divisions: wholesale, motor, accommodation, food and beverages (i.e. restaurants and catering), and retail. Stats SA takes a look at five facts that you might not have known about the retail trade industry.   Fact 1: South Africans spent R31 900 per second in retail stores in   read more »


Stats SA to ensure VAT change reflected in

MEDIA RELEASE 19 March 2018 Stats SA to ensure VAT change reflected in CPI The VAT increase to 15% on 1 April will affect the price of many of the items in the Consumer price index (CPI) basket. Retailers and service providers may adopt different approaches and timeframes to pass this increase onto their customers.   read more »


Digging deeper into your pocket? These prices might be to blame

Digging deeper into your pocket? These prices might be to blame

Does that braai pack feel a bit expensive? If you’ve recently noticed a rise in meat prices, then you’re not alone. Let’s take a closer look at that, as well as other items in the consumer price index with inflation higher than South Africa’s inflation target of 3–6% that is used for monetary policy. In   read more »


Public healthcare: How much per person?

Public healthcare: How much per person?

You can consider yourself one of the lucky few if you have medical aid. According to the latest General Household Survey, only 17 in 100 South Africans have medical insurance, the essential key that opens the door to private healthcare. As many as 45 million, or 82 out of every 100 South Africans, fall outside   read more »


Crime is going down, but we are not feeling any safer

The recently released Victims of Crime Survey results found that crime levels have been gradually declining. With South Africans experiencing lower levels of crime, it is expected that communities would feel safer. Instead, the survey reveals that declining crime trends were accompanied by deteriorating feelings of safety among households. According to the survey, the percentage   read more »


Which municipalities spend the most per resident?

Which municipalities spend the most per resident?

Turn on a tap. Switch on a light. Take a bus to work. Your daily life is filled with hundreds of small instances where you depend, in some form or another, on services that your city provides, be it running water, electricity or public transport. Which South African municipalities spend the most, per resident, on   read more »


Which South African metros have the largest (and the most expensive) homes?

Which South African metros have the largest (and the most expensive) homes?

If you’re dreaming of one day purchasing a holiday home somewhere on the coast, and space is important to you, Durban might be the best option. On the other hand, if property costs are your main concern, Port Elizabeth or East London might be places to consider. Stats SA takes a dive into building statistics   read more »