On 27 April 1994, over 19 million South Africans of all races voted in the country’s first free and fair non-racial general elections. This milestone in the struggle for equality and human rights ended over three hundred years of racial segregation, colonialism and apartheid. Since 1995, the 27th of April has been celebrated in commemoration of the freedom attained in 1994. This year several entities under the leadership of the Department of Arts and Culture launched the ‘Freedom Fridays’ campaign. The campaign encourages all of us as South Africans to celebrate our freedom and democracy by wearing anything that shows our national pride and unity as a nation.

This issue of Mbalo Brief is packed with interesting information ranging from key results of industry surveys to highlights of Census 2011 results and information on the rate of change for both consumer and producer prices. Starting in February 2014, we have been highlighting Census 2011 results with educational articles based on metropolitan and district municipality results. As we continue this campaign, this month’s census educational article is based on the City of Cape Town Metropolitan Municipality. The article looks at the municipality’s demographics, population size, unemployment levels, access to basic services and access to housing, among others.

Articles based on industry surveys such as the Land transport survey, Tourist accommodation and Manufacturing: Production and sales are included in this issue. A crossword puzzle and solutions for the March 2014 puzzle are included on page IV.

Articles published in this issue are based on results of industry surveys conducted for the months ranging from January to February 2014 which were released in March and April 2014.

For full details on any of the surveys, visit our website at www.statssa.gov.za .

Download Mbalo – Brief April 2014

Remember to vote on 7 May 2014!