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 »

Transport is the heartbeat of the economy; it facilitates trade, constructions and helps people reach their homes, schools and work places. It therefore comes as no surprise that the Gauteng Provincial Government has dedicated October as Transport month. The campaign, which was first launched in October 2005, is organised by the Department of Transport. Its   read more »

The amount of money received as tuition fees by South Africa’s 23 higher education institutions rose by 9,2%, from R16 billion in 2012 to R17 billion in 2013. This is according to data analysed for Stats SA’s latest Financial Statistics of Higher Education Institutions release. The University of Johannesburg recorded the highest increase (29,9%) in   read more »

At the end of August 2014, the United Nations Secretary General, Ban Ki-moon, appointed an Independent Expert Advisory Group on the Data Revolution for Sustainable Development. The Statistician-General, Mr Pali Lehohla, is one of those appointed to this group. For a full list of members please click here. The IEAG has been asked to craft   read more »

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today announced the establishment of an Independent Expert Advisory Group on the Data Revolution for Sustainable Development. The Group will advise the Secretary-General on measures required to close the data gaps and strengthen national statistical capacities. The Group is also expected to assess new opportunities linked to innovation, technical progress   read more »

Patrick Kelly – Executive manager for Price statistics, Statistics South Africa, explores the true cost of ‘Braai Day’. South Africans love meat. This is obvious from our cultural affinity for a braai or ShisaNyama. Many celebrated ‘Braai Day’ on this week’s Heritage Day holiday. This importance is also evident from the prominence of meat products   read more »

The percentage of the population aged 60 years and above rose from 7,1% in 1996 to 8,0% in 2011, constituting an increase from 2,8 million to 4,1 million individuals. This is one of the findings contained in the Profile of Older Persons in South Africa report, which was released by Stats SA at the Population   read more »

Of the R395 billion spent by provincial government during the 2012/13 financial year, 43% (R170 billion) was spent on education, while 30% (R119 billion) was spent on health. This is one of the findings from the latest release of Stats SA’s Financial Statistics of Provincial Government report, published on 29 September 2014. The remaining R106   read more »

Press Statement, 29 September 2014 The Quarterly Employment Survey complements the Quarterly Labour Force Survey (QLFS). Although the results may differ due to different coverage and conceptual issues, there are some adjustments which can be conducted on the QLFS data to improve the comparability of these surveys. However, in some cases even after the adjustments   read more »