Inflation falls to a three-month low

Inflation falls to a three-month low

South Africa’s annual inflation rate was 3,0% in September, lower than the rates recorded in July (3,2%) and August (3,1%). The change in the consumer price index between August 2020 and September 2020 was 0,2%, identical to the reading in the previous month. The alcoholic beverages and tobacco division was the main reason for the   read more »


SA loses more than 600K formal sector jobs during COVID-19 lockdown

SA loses more than 600K formal sector jobs during COVID-19 lockdown

According to the Quarterly employment statistics (QES) survey released by Statistics South Africa (Stats SA), the formal non-agricultural sector shed 648 000 jobs in the second quarter of 2020. This brings the total number of persons employed in the formal non-agricultural sector in South Africa to 9,5 million. According to the report, formal sector jobs decreased   read more »


Further data shows lagging infrastructure investment

Further data shows lagging infrastructure investment

In June 2020, government announced the roll-out of an extensive infrastructure investment drive that would cover 55 projects across six sectors. The programme is an attempt to kick-start an economy battered by COVID-19, as well as to address a history of chronic infrastructure underspending.1 The concern over declining infrastructure investment is further confirmed by Stats   read more »


Consumer inflation slightly down in August

Consumer inflation slightly down in August

Annual CPI inflation pulled back slightly in August, easing to 3,1% from 3,2% in July. The monthly increase in prices was 0,2%. This is slightly lower than the average monthly change of 0,3% over the past year and lower than the 3-month average of 0,4%. Transport was the most significant contributor to the 0,2% monthly   read more »


SA economy sheds 2,2 million jobs in Q2 but unemployment levels drop

SA economy sheds 2,2 million jobs in Q2 but unemployment levels drop

The South African economy shed 2,2 million jobs in the second quarter of 2020, according to the latest Quarterly Labour Force Survey Quarter 2: 2020 results, released by Statistics South Africa on 29 September 2020. The results indicate that the number of employed persons decreased by 2,2 million to 14,1 million in the 2nd quarter   read more »


Steep slump in GDP as COVID-19 takes its toll on the economy

Steep slump in GDP as COVID-19 takes its toll on the economy

The punch in the gut was severe. Perhaps the second quarter of 2020 will become known as the pandemic quarter. South Africa’s economy suffered a significant contraction during April, May and June, when the country operated under widespread lockdown restrictions in response to COVID-19. Gross domestic product (GDP) fell by just over 16% between the   read more »


EBA spending on transport declines

EBA spending on transport declines

The South African National Roads Agency Limited (SANRAL) and the Gautrain Management Agency were two of five transport institutions that cut spending in 2018/19. Total expenditure by extra-budgetary accounts and funds (EBAs) involved in transport fell by 3,5%, from R32,0 billion in 2017/18 to R30,9 billion in 2018/19.1 This is according to the latest Financial statistics of   read more »


Consumer inflation rises to four-month high

Consumer inflation rises to four-month high

Annual CPI inflation quickened to 3,2% in July from 2,2% in June as lockdown restrictions continued to ease. The monthly increase was 1,3%, the biggest monthly rise since February 2016 when the rate was 1,4%. The monthly move in July was driven largely by fuel prices and municipal tariffs. Motorists felt some pain as the   read more »


Update on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for July

Stats SA will publish the July CPI on Wednesday, 26 August. The collection and compilation of the CPI for July was affected by COVID-19 lockdown restrictions. Read here for more information.


Baking bad during lockdown

Baking bad during lockdown

You’ve waited too long. Your friends have tried it, you’ve seen the videos, you’re feeling the FOMO. You roll up your sleeves – it is time to bake your own lockdown bread. The kitchen is ready. The ingredients are all set out. Two cups of boiling water – check! Instant yeast, brown sugar, salt, flour   read more »