Category Archives: Government finances

Media Release: Non-financial census of municipalities (NFCM)

07 June 2016 Non-financial census of municipalities for the year ended 30 June 2015 The latest results of the Non-financial census of municipalities (NFCM) released by Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) today shows that the number of consumer units receiving services from municipalities increased between 2014 and 2015. The highest percentage increase from 2014 to   read more »


What municipalities say about service delivery: the supply-side approach

What municipalities say about service delivery: the supply-side approach

If you are interested in the extent of service delivery in South Africa, it might be good to know that it can be measured from two different fronts. In most instances, the extent of service delivery is measured from the demand side. Surveys such as the Population Census, Community Survey (CS) and General Household Survey   read more »


Media Invite: Non-financial Census of Municipalities

6 June 2016 Statistician-General releases the results of the non-financial census of municipalities for 2015 The Statistician-General of South Africa, Dr Pali Lehohla, will release the Non-financial census of municipalities for the year ended June 2015 (NFCM) statistical release at a media briefing to be held on Tuesday, 07 June 2016. The NFCM measures selected   read more »


Media Release: General Household Survey (GHS) 2015

Media Release                                                                                                 2 June 2016 General Household Survey (GHS) 2015   More people continued to rely on state coffers as the percentage of individuals that benefited from social grants increased from 12,7% in 2003 to 30,1% in 2015. The percentage of households that received at least one grant increased from 29,9% to 45,5% in   read more »


Facts you might not know about social grants

Facts you might not know about social grants

Data from Stats SA’s latest Financial statistics of national government report1 provides some insights into government spending on social grants. Below are just two examples about the grant spending social welfare system in South Africa. Fact 1: For every R100 national government spends on social grants, R42 goes to family and children grants; R41 goes   read more »


South Africa’s CPI reveals how volatile inflation hurts the poorest

Patrick Kelly, Executive Manager for Price Statistics, provides some insights into how inflation affects the most vulnerable. The combined effect of the severe drought and the depreciation of the rand drove annual food inflation to 9,8% in March, its highest level in four years. Periods of high food inflation often spark an outpouring of concern   read more »


Government education expenditure on the rise

Government education expenditure on the rise

The South African government expenditure on education increased by R20 billion between 2012/13 and 2013/14, based on data from Stats SA’s recent Financial statistics of consolidated general government release. Expenditure over time Total expenditure on education increased by R80 billion over a five-year period, from R169 billion in 2009/10 to R249 billion1 in 2013/14, an   read more »


Navigating the water crisis: where do we need the skills?

Navigating the water crisis: where do we need the skills?

With South Africa in the grip of drought, the role of local municipalities to provide clean water, maintain infrastructure, and reduce wastage has become more important than ever. Recent data on staff vacancies show which municipalities are struggling to fill funded posts in their water management departments. Municipalities in Free State seem to be struggling   read more »


Tuition fees: which universities are likely to feel the pinch?

Tuition fees: which universities are likely to feel the pinch?

With the announcement of a zero fee increase for higher education institutions next year, the focus is now on where the money will be sourced to finance the expected shortfall. Recent data provide an indication of which universities are most dependent on tuition fees, and as a result might be most vulnerable to a shortfall.   read more »


Two facts about university spending

Two facts about university spending

Stats SA’s Financial statistics of higher education institutions report provides an overview of university finances. Two key facts emerged from the report when it was released recently. Salaries take up half the pie South Africa’s 25 higher education institutions1 spent a total of R55,6 billion in the 2014 financial year, 50% (R27,5 billion) of which   read more »