South Africa’s economy grew by 0,7% in the third quarter of 2015, according to preliminary estimates of real gross domestic product (GDP) released by Stats SA. Unless otherwise stated, growth rates are quarter-on-quarter, seasonally adjusted and annualised. After experiencing a 1,3% contraction in the second quarter, the marginal GDP growth in the third quarter staved   read more »

The South African government expenditure on education increased by R20 billion between 2012/13 and 2013/14, based on data from Stats SA’s recent Financial statistics of consolidated general government release. Expenditure over time Total expenditure on education increased by R80 billion over a five-year period, from R169 billion in 2009/10 to R249 billion1 in 2013/14, an   read more »

Media Invite                                                        19 November 2015 Stats SA releases Gross domestic product (GDP), Q3 2015 The Statistician-General of South Africa, Mr Pali Lehohla, will release the Gross domestic product (GDP) estimates for the third quarter of 2015 at a media briefing to be held on Tuesday, 24 November 2015 in Pretoria. The media briefing will be   read more »

Media Release                                                                                          17 November 2015 Private sector companies record turnover increases The total turnover for private sector enterprises1 operating in the South African economy increased by 10,9% to R7 766 625 million (R7,8 trillion) in 2014, from R7 001 362 million (R7,0 trillion) in 2013. For the reference period, turnover increased in   read more »

With South Africa in the grip of drought, the role of local municipalities to provide clean water, maintain infrastructure, and reduce wastage has become more important than ever. Recent data on staff vacancies show which municipalities are struggling to fill funded posts in their water management departments. Municipalities in Free State seem to be struggling   read more »

With the announcement of a zero fee increase for higher education institutions next year, the focus is now on where the money will be sourced to finance the expected shortfall. Recent data provide an indication of which universities are most dependent on tuition fees, and as a result might be most vulnerable to a shortfall.   read more »

Stats SA’s Financial statistics of higher education institutions report provides an overview of university finances. Two key facts emerged from the report when it was released recently. Salaries take up half the pie South Africa’s 25 higher education institutions1 spent a total of R55,6 billion in the 2014 financial year, 50% (R27,5 billion) of which   read more »

Stats SA recently released results of its large sample survey covering the electricity, gas and water supply industry in South Africa, for the year 2013. The report provides information on the size, nature and structure of the industry. Also included in the report is information on employment, trading income, expenditure, profit or loss, inventories, sales   read more »

Stats SA recently released results of its large sample survey covering the post and telecommunications industry in South Africa, for the year 2013. The report provides detailed information on the size, nature and structure of the industry. Also included in the report is information on employment, trading income, expenditure, profit or loss, inventories, sales and   read more »

Acting as intermediaries, municipalities buy electricity from Eskom in bulk and then re-sell it to various customers (including homes, businesses and government). According to the utility, 42% of the electricity it generated in 2013/14 was sold to redistributors, such as municipalities1. Almost a third of income earned by municipalities (R21,9 billion) in the quarter ended   read more »