Category Archives: Energy

GDP rallies as lockdown restrictions ease

GDP rallies as lockdown restrictions ease

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 »


728 million stories, waiting to be told

728 million stories, waiting to be told

Wherever you go, you transform the landscape. Imagine living the entirety of your life in the map below. Your daily routine might resemble a zig-zagging pattern as you move across the square cells of the grid. Where you choose to live, work, commute, shop, socialise and play – you influence the economic, social and environmental   read more »


Electricity: Coal use inches lower as solar, wind and diesel rise

Electricity: Coal use inches lower as solar, wind and diesel rise

If you’re curious, take a deeper look at Stats SA’s latest large sample survey of the electricity, gas and water supply industry. The report provides some insight into the current state of electricity generation in South Africa. In particular, highlighting the subtle changes that have occurred in the country’s energy supply. South Africa is still   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 »


Electricity infrastructure dominates capital spending

Electricity infrastructure dominates capital spending

Recent data released by Stats SA show that public-sector capital expenditure has risen over the last five years, from a total of R203 billion in 2012 to R284 billion in 2016; an average rise of 8,7% per year. Over R1,2 trillion was spent during this five-year period. Well-maintained infrastructure facilitates trade, improves connectivity, attracts investment,   read more »


Electricity: big business for municipalities

Electricity: big business for municipalities

The recent power blackout in Msunduzi municipality again highlights the importance of electricity supply. Large parts of Pietermaritzburg were plunged into darkness for about a week when saboteurs, suspected to be striking workers, disrupted the city’s power grid2. It might be common knowledge that municipalities are involved in power distribution in South Africa, but many   read more »


Media invite: Non-financial census of municipalities, 2016

Media Invite                                                                                                                                                                           26 May 2017     read more »


Media invite: General Household Survey, 2016

Media Invite                                                                                                                                                                        26 May 2017   Statistician-General releases the results of the General Household Survey, 2016                                                                                 The Statistician-General   read more »


Seasonal adjustment: a short primer

Seasonal adjustment: a short primer

Stats SA has, for the first time, included seasonally adjusted data in its Quarterly financial statistics of municipalities. What is seasonal adjustment? Why is it significant? Stats SA breaks it down for you. South Africa’s 257 municipalities play a vital role. Not only do they interact with citizens at a local level, but they are   read more »


Media release: Quarterly Financial Statistics of Municipalities December 2016

MEDIA RELEASE                                                                                           30 March 2017 Quarterly Financial Statistics of Municipalities December 2016 According to the latest Quarterly financial statistics of municipalities released by Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) today, purchases of water by South African municipalities decreased by 1,8% between the quarters ended September 2016 and December 2016. Electricity purchases by municipalities over the same   read more »