While many couples will be celebrating Valentine’s Day this Sunday, 14 February, historians may have a different take on the day. 14 February 2021 is the 60th anniversary of the introduction of the rand as South Africa’s currency. Following the adoption of recommendations of the Decimal Coinage Commission in 1958, the British-styled pounds, shillings and   read more »

The December 2020 Consumer Price Index (CPI) release concludes the data points for the entire calendar year. The average annual inflation rate for 2020 was 3,3%. This is the lowest annual average rate since 2004 (1,4%) and the second lowest since 1969 (3,0%). One of the reasons for low inflation in 2004, according to the   read more »

Annual consumer inflation retreated slightly in November, to 3,2% from 3,3% in October. There was no monthly change in the index. Food and non-alcoholic beverage prices continued to climb, recording an aggregate annual increase of 5,8%, up from 5,4% in October. Food inflation contributed 1,0 percentage point to November’s headline rate of 3,2%. There were   read more »

South Africa’s economy rebounded in the third quarter of 2020 (July–September), coinciding with the easing of COVID-19 lockdown restrictions. All industries recorded an increase in economic activity compared with the second quarter, with manufacturing, trade and mining leading the charge. Businesses were supported by an increase in both exports and household spending. Gross domestic product   read more »

Annual consumer inflation hit a seven-month high in October, driven largely by rising prices for food and non-alcoholic beverages. Headline inflation was 3,3%, the biggest annual rise since March when the rate was 4,1%. The monthly increase in October was 0,3%, edging up from 0,2% recorded in both September and August. Food and drink inflation   read more »

South Africa’s annual inflation rate was 3,0% in September, lower than the rates recorded in July (3,2%) and August (3,1%). The change in the consumer price index between August 2020 and September 2020 was 0,2%, identical to the reading in the previous month. The alcoholic beverages and tobacco division was the main reason for the   read more »

Annual CPI inflation pulled back slightly in August, easing to 3,1% from 3,2% in July. The monthly increase in prices was 0,2%. This is slightly lower than the average monthly change of 0,3% over the past year and lower than the 3-month average of 0,4%. Transport was the most significant contributor to the 0,2% monthly   read more »

Annual CPI inflation quickened to 3,2% in July from 2,2% in June as lockdown restrictions continued to ease. The monthly increase was 1,3%, the biggest monthly rise since February 2016 when the rate was 1,4%. The monthly move in July was driven largely by fuel prices and municipal tariffs. Motorists felt some pain as the   read more »

Stats SA will publish the July CPI on Wednesday, 26 August. The collection and compilation of the CPI for July was affected by COVID-19 lockdown restrictions. Read here for more information.

You’ve waited too long. Your friends have tried it, you’ve seen the videos, you’re feeling the FOMO. You roll up your sleeves – it is time to bake your own lockdown bread. The kitchen is ready. The ingredients are all set out. Two cups of boiling water – check! Instant yeast, brown sugar, salt, flour   read more »