Every year, on 18 November, African countries celebrate African Statistics Day (ASD) with the objective of raising public awareness about the importance of statistics in economic and social development. The theme selected for the 2014 edition of the ASD is “Open data for accountability and inclusiveness”. Open data is defined as data that can be   read more »

As the year draws to a close, South Africans young and old are preparing themselves for the festivities that come with the end of the year. While some are preparing to spend the holidays away from their homes, others are planning on spending the festive season with their loved ones at home. The festive season is also known to   read more »

South Africa is one of seven pilot countries selected by the United Nations (UN) to test a framework that will measure the state and condition of the country’s ecosystems. Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) and the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) are partnering on this project. A three-day training session is currently being hosted   read more »

The percentage of females employed in the community and social services sector (which includes government services) has shown the largest increase between 2001 and 2014, at just over 10%. The trade industry has shown the greatest decrease in the percentage of women employed (-9,8%), followed by the manufacturing (-3,5%) and agriculture (-2,2%) industries. This is   read more »

Subdued monthly Producer price index (PPI) in September led the annual PPI for final manufactured goods (headline PPI) to drop to 6,9% from 7,2% in August. Food products, beverages and tobacco products remain the main contributors to the annual PPI. Monthly PPI for agriculture increased with 3,2% in September due to higher prices of live   read more »

Press Statement, 30 October 2014 Table A: Key labour market indicators   Jul-Sep 2013 Apr-Jun 2014 Jul-Sep 2014 Q/Q Change Y/Y Change Q/Q Change Y/Y Change Thousand Per cent  Population aged 15–64 yrs 34 868 35 332 35 489 157 620 0,4 1,8  Labour force 19 916 20 248 20 268 19 351 0,1 1,8   read more »

Quarterly changes reflect an increase in employment (22 000) and a decrease in unemployment (3 000). This resulted in a slight decrease in the unemployment rate from 25,5% in quarter 2: 2014 to 25,4% (0,1 of a percentage point) in quarter 3: 2014. Job gains were recorded in both the formal (88 000) and informal (28 000) sectors between   read more »

MEDIA ADVISORY For Immediate Release Date: 24 October 2014 Contact: Lesedi Dibakwane 0828057088 lesedid@statssa.gov.za Release of Quarterly Labour Force Survey Third Quarter (Q3) Results Statistician General Pali Lehohla, will release the results of the Quarterly Labour Force Survey (QLFS) for the Third Quarter of 2014. The Quarterly Labour Force Survey (QLFS) is a household-based survey   read more »

On 25 November 2014 Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) will publish the first estimates of gross domestic product for the 3rd quarter of 2014. This statistical release will, however, differ from previous releases in two important aspects. Benchmarking and rebasing It is good international practice to periodically change the reference year used in economic statistics,   read more »

The annual inflation rate dropped to 5,9% in September from 6,4% in August. This is the first month since February that it is below the ceiling of the Reserve Bank’s target. The 0,5% drop in the rate was largely because of a 67c/l drop in the petrol price. This is equivalent to a decrease of   read more »