Yearly Archives: 2013

The power of place: My suburb, my township, my village

Silvertown is a township in Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape named after all the silver zinc shacks used as housing in the area. After the Census 2011 place name data was released in the township in April 2013, the media reported Silvertown to be the worst place to live in South Africa. The census data provides   read more »


South Africans are living longer

South Africans are living longer

The mid-year population estimates are used to account for population change during the period between Censuses and usually takes place at the mid-year point. This is usually done annually, rather than over a period of time as is the case with census, which is conducted after every 5 or 10 years. This year’s mid-year population   read more »


The world of work

The world of work

Labour market information relates to three groups of individuals, those that are employed, those that are unemployed and those that are not economically active (e.g. homemakers, retirees and full-time students who do not wish to work). The most recent QLFS results show that in the first quarter of 2013, of the total population in the   read more »


What are South Africans dying of?

What are South Africans dying of?

Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) has released a report dealing with Mortality and Causes of Death in South Africa. The release is based on data obtained from deaths that occurred in 2010 and were registered at the Department of Home Affairs.             Starting in 2007, less people have been dying   read more »


What is the Consumer Price Index?

The Consumer Price Index (CPI) measures monthly changes in prices for a range of consumer products. Changes in the CPI record the rate of inflation. The CPI can also be used as a cost-of-living index. HOW IS THE CPI MEASURED? The prices of goods and services consumed by South Africans are used to calculate an   read more »


What do South Africans spend their money on

What do South Africans spend their money on

Statistics South Africa conducts an Income and Expenditure Survey (IES) every 5 years. The IES seeks to establish what South Africans spend their money on, so that the basket of goods which makes up the Consumer Price Index (CPI), used to calculate the inflation rate, can be updated. The last IES was conducted between September   read more »


Mbalo Brief – July 2013

The month of July is a special month to many people all over the world because it marks the last half of the year. Many consider this month as a chance to step back and evaluate their achievements and goals for the year.  What most people do not know about July is that it starts   read more »


Gross Domestic Product (GDP) figures released.

Gross Domestic Product (GDP) figures released.

Gross Domestic Product (GDP) figures for the first quarter of 2013 were released on 28 May 2013, at a press conference in Sandton, which included key stakeholders from other institutions. The much anticipated release drew wide reaction from various market watchers, while the media appreciated Stats SA’s initiative of taking data to them. “This is   read more »


Fieldworker – June/July 2013 release

Fieldworker – June/July 2013 release

Inside this edition: How to access statistics 2, What South Africans die of 3, The power of place 4, Empowering communities 5, Surveys in your area 6, What is GDP? 7, Test your knowledge 8


Mbalo Brief – June 2013

The month of June is known for cold weather conditions as it marks the beginning of the winter season. To South Africans, June is known as “Youth Month” as it commemorates the youth that raised their voices against the previous government’s education policies. This is the month in which the Soweto uprising occurred 37 years   read more »