South Africa’s Income & Expenditure Survey Takes Off

Household income and expenditure surveys are an essential component to a healthy data ecosystem and critical for economic and developmental planning and decision-making. Statistical agencies like Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) use these surveys to inform the measurement of inflation and to better understand a country’s household economy and living conditions. “Out of every R1   read more »


Tuition revenue jumps as higher education recovers from COVID-19

Tuition revenue jumps as higher education recovers from COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020‒2021 disrupted the operations of higher education institutions, with notable effects on revenue streams. After declining in 2020, the amount of money collected from tuition fees jumped by 21,6% in 2021. Tuition fees are the second biggest source of revenue cash flows South Africa’s 26 higher education institutions depend on three   read more »


The state of the electricity, gas & water supply industry (2021)

The state of the electricity, gas & water supply industry (2021)

National electricity supply has been the cause of intense concern for many years. Stats SA’s latest detailed survey of the industry provides updated data on finances, production and employment. Covering electricity, gas and water supply in the formal economy, the 2021 survey continues on from similar surveys conducted in 2006, 2010, 2013, 2016 and 2019.   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 »


Experience of disputes on the rise in SA

Experience of disputes on the rise in SA

According to a new report released by Statistics South Africa (Stats SA), there is a 9,1 percentage point increase in the proportion of individuals that have experienced one or more disputes between 2018/19 and 2021/22 reporting periods.   The types of disputes experienced range from poor service from government and business, conflict with neighbours, corruption,   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 »


Statistician-General to release the “Gender Series Volume IX: Women Empowerment”, 2017–2022 Report.

MEDIA ADVISORY                                                                             13 October 2022   Statistician-General to release the “Gender Series Volume IX: Women Empowerment”, 2017–2022 Report. The Statistician-General of South Africa, Mr Risenga Maluleke, will release the findings of the Gender Series Volume IX: Women Empowerment, 2017-2022 report at a media briefing to be held on Tuesday, 18 October in Pretoria. The report   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 »


Softer fuel prices take the edge off inflation in August

Softer fuel prices take the edge off inflation in August

Annual consumer inflation dipped to 7,6% in August from 7,8% in July. The monthly increase in the consumer price index (CPI) was 0,2%, the lowest reading since January 2022 when it was also 0,2%. Fuel prices decreased by 3,8% between July and August, with petrol falling by 5,0% and diesel by 0,9%. This pushed the   read more »