Category Archives: Economy Data Stories

Government spending breaches R2 trillion

Government spending breaches R2 trillion

South African government spending broke the R2 trillion mark in the 2020/21 financial year. Large increases in expenditure were recorded for social protection, health, and general public services as the country battled the COVID-19 pandemic. At the same time, total revenue declined on the back of lower taxes received. The Financial statistics of consolidated general government   read more »


Black Friday and shifts in consumer behaviour

Black Friday and shifts in consumer behaviour

With Black Friday upon us, South African consumers have begun scouting for the latest deals. Monthly retail trade sales data show how Black Friday has shifted shopping behaviour over time. Consumers splurge during the festive season The graphic below shows the distribution of retail trade sales by month, for the year 2019. If all months   read more »


Inflation inches higher in October

Inflation inches higher in October

Consumer price inflation picked up slightly in October, rising to 7,6% from 7,5% in September. The monthly increase in the consumer price index (CPI) was 0,4%, up from 0,1%. Bread & cereals, meat and dairy drive food prices higher The annual rate for food and non-alcoholic beverages edged higher to 12,0% from 11,9% in September.   read more »


The public-sector: Shy on infrastructure investment

The public-sector: Shy on infrastructure investment

Data from 745 institutions provides an update on public-sector investment in infrastructure. A number of institutions pulled back on capital expenditure in 2021, while others increased their spending. Public-sector capital expenditure decreased by R6,1 billion (-3,0%) between 2020 and 2021, from R204,3 billion to R198,2 billion, representing the fifth consecutive year of decline. Capital expenditure represents money spent   read more »


Economic, social and political empowerment are critical for achieving gender equality in SA

Economic, social and political empowerment are critical for achieving gender equality in SA

More than half (51,1%) of the South African population are female[1] and, according to the General Household Survey (GHS) 2021, more than two-fifths (42,0%) of households are headed by females. While women empowerment is central to the global development agenda and is a stepping stone to gender equality, a new report released by Statistics South   read more »


Inflation cools for a second month

Inflation cools for a second month

Annual consumer price inflation slowed to 7,5% in September from 7,6% in August, edging further down from the 13-year high of 7,8% recorded in July. Fuel prices declined for a second consecutive month, contributing to the softer headline rate. The monthly change in the consumer price index (CPI) for September was 0,1%, lower than 0,2%   read more »


New samples for monthly business cycle indicators

New samples for monthly business cycle indicators

In September 2022, Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) implemented new samples for the following monthly surveys: P3041.2 – Manufacturing: Production and sales; P6141.2 – Wholesale trade sales; P6242.1 – Retail trade sales; P6343.2 – Motor trade sales; P6410 – Tourist accommodation; P6420 – Food and beverages; and P7162 – Land transport.   New samples for   read more »


Provincial government finances: the impact of COVID-19

Provincial government finances: the impact of COVID-19

South Africa’s 122 provincial government departments spent R613,6 billion in 2020/21, according to the latest Financial statistics of provincial government statistical release. This is R16,9 billion more than the R596,8 billion recorded in 2019/20, representing a rise of 2,8%.1 The 2,8% rise is muted compared with the previous three years that recorded increases of around 7,0%. A closer   read more »


SA formal non-agricultural sector employment drops by 1,2% in Q2 of 2022

SA formal non-agricultural sector employment drops by 1,2% in Q2 of 2022

According to the Quarterly Employment Statistics (QES, Q2:2022) survey released by Statistics South Africa (Stats SA), total employment in the formal non-agricultural sector decreased by 119 000 in the second quarter of 2022, bringing the level of total employment to approximately 9,9 million. The survey showed that jobs increased by 74 000 between June 2021 and   read more »


South African GDP declines by 0,7%

South African GDP declines by 0,7%

After two consecutive quarters of positive growth, real gross domestic product (GDP) decreased by 0,7%1 in the second quarter of 2022 (Q2: 2022). The devastating floods in KwaZulu-Natal and load shedding contributed to the decline, weakening an already fragile national economy that had just recovered to pre-pandemic levels. Manufacturing the biggest drag on GDP The flooding   read more »