Trust in Government, Access to Services, and the Shadow of Corruption

Trust in Government, Access to Services, and the Shadow of Corruption

Access to government services is a cornerstone of any well-functioning society. In the realm of governance, the relationship between access to government services, levels of trust in government and public institutions, and individual experiences of corruption significantly impacts the overall well-being of a society. These factors are integral to the effectiveness and legitimacy of a   read more »


Public-sector capital expenditure increases in 2022

Public-sector capital expenditure increases in 2022

After five consecutive years of decline, capital expenditure in the public sector increased by R9,3 billion (4,6%), from R199,8 billion in 2021 to R209,1 billion in 2022. Extra-budgetary accounts and funds, national government, public corporations, provincial government and higher education institutions all recorded increases. However, there was a decline for local government, according to Stats SA’s Capital expenditure   read more »


Inflation rises for a second consecutive month

Inflation rises for a second consecutive month

Consumer price inflation increased to 5,4% in September from 4,8% in August. This brings the rate to the same level as June this year. Fuel prices cast a shadow The fuel index increased for a second consecutive month, rising by 7,6% between August and September. The price of inland 95-octane petrol jumped by R1,71 in   read more »


Rising Non-Communicable Diseases: A Looming Health Crisis

Rising Non-Communicable Diseases: A Looming Health Crisis

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) have emerged as a major global health challenge, affecting millions of individuals worldwide. A new report released by Statistics South Africa (Stats SA), Non-communicable diseases: Findings from death notifications (2008-2018), explores the changing landscape of NCDs in South Africa over time, highlighting key trends and insights. Data from the World Health Organization   read more »


Electricity: a vital resource for municipalities

Electricity: a vital resource for municipalities

Municipalities generate most of their revenue from electricity sales. Those involved in providing services buy electricity from producers (such as Eskom) and then resell the power to households, businesses and other institutions. The resulting surplus from this trade is a vital source of income. Electricity’s contribution to revenue Municipalities spent R50,2 billion on electricity purchases in   read more »


Census 2022 shows South Africa’s population grew to 62 million

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 »


Economic wrap-up for September 2023

Economic wrap-up for September 2023

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 »


New samples for monthly business cycle indicators

New samples for monthly business cycle indicators

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 »


Recent shifts in company income tax

Recent shifts in company income tax

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 »


Jobs in the non-agricultural sector rise in the second quarter of 2023

Jobs in the non-agricultural sector rise in the second quarter of 2023

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 »