The latest Census results show that the South African population grew to 62 million in 2022. Gauteng remained the province with the highest population (15 million), while Northern Cape has the smallest population at 1,3 million. The Western Cape has moved from being the 5th-largest province in terms of population size in 1996 to being   read more »

Stats SA published a variety of reports, statistical releases and discussion documents in September. Here is a rundown of key economic indicators. GDP: SA invests in machinery & equipment and households cut back on spending In September, Stats SA released both national and provincial gross domestic product (GDP) figures. On the national front, GDP recorded   read more »

In September 2023, Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) published the results of a number of monthly surveys, which are based on new samples. These are: 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;   read more »

Although the mining industry strengthened company tax collections after the COVID-19 pandemic, its momentum has recently waned. The importance of CIT Company income tax (CIT) was the third largest source of government tax revenue in 2021/22, according to the South African Revenue Service (SARS).1 Personal income tax was the largest contributor (35,5%), followed by value-added   read more »

The formal non-agricultural sector added 39 000 jobs in the second quarter of 2023, reaching almost 10,1 million jobs. According to the latest Quarterly Employment Statistics (QES, Q2:2023) survey released by Stats SA, there was a year-on year net increase of 104 000 jobs. Between March and June 2023, total (full- and part-time) employment rose   read more »

After a two-year hiatus, Stats SA has released an experimental set of provincial gross domestic product (GDP) data. Provincial-level figures used to be included annually with the GDP release. Following the publication of the 2019 data, the provincial series was temporarily held back as Stats SA embarked on a complete revamp of national accounts. This   read more »

After four consecutive months of decline, annual consumer inflation pushed up in August, rising to 4,8% from 4,7% in July. Inflation for food & non-alcoholic beverages (NAB) continued to cool, taking some of the heat off the headline rate. This was not enough, however, to counteract a rise in fuel prices and increases in municipal   read more »

South African real gross domestic product (GDP) expanded by 0,6% in the second quarter (April–June) of 2023.1 This follows a 0,4% rise in the first quarter. Overview Six industries on the supply side of the economy grew in the second quarter, with manufacturing and finance driving much of the upward momentum. On the demand side,   read more »

Stats SA published 28 statistical releases in the month of August. Here is a monthly rundown of important economic indicators. Consumer and producer inflation continue to cool Inflation figures continue to provide some good news. Remaining on a downward path, consumer headline inflation slowed to its lowest reading in two years. The annual change in   read more »

Extra-budgetary accounts and funds (EBAs) involved in the transport sector increased their spending in the 2021/22 fiscal year. However, despite the rise, expenditure is still below pre-pandemic levels. South Africa’s 256 EBAs are public institutions. They form an important arm of general government, responsible for delivering services to the public on behalf of government. Examples   read more »