![Four facts about our provincial economies](https://www.statssa.gov.za/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/prov5-64x64.png)
Four facts about our provincial economies
Each province is unique. Data published recently by Stats SA provide a portrait of South Africa’s provincial economies. Here are four facts you might not have known about our economic landscape. Fact #1 Gauteng is South Africa’s economic powerhouse Don’t let Gauteng’s size on a map fool you. It might be the province with read more »
![Formal business turnover climbs by 5,5%](https://www.statssa.gov.za/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Pic1-1-64x64.png)
Formal business turnover climbs by 5,5%
The South African formal business sector1 generated R2,57 trillion in turnover in the fourth quarter of 2018. This translates to about R323 600 generated every second from October 2018 to December 2018. The R2,57 trillion was 5,5% more than the R2,44 trillion generated in the third quarter (July 2018 to September 2018). This follows a rise of 3,6% in the third quarter and read more »
![Economy edges up by 0,8% in 2018](https://www.statssa.gov.za/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/img2-64x64.png)
Economy edges up by 0,8% in 2018
The South African economy grew by 1,4%1 in the fourth quarter of 2018, contributing to an overall growth rate of 0,8% for the entire year. The latest set of gross domestic product (GDP) figures released by Stats SA provides an overview of economic performance in 2018. South Africa found itself in economic recession in 2018, read more »
![Manufacturing: winners and losers of 2018](https://www.statssa.gov.za/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/pic3-64x64.png)
Manufacturing: winners and losers of 2018
The manufacturing industry rebounded in 2018, recording its highest annual growth rate in five years. The food and beverages and automotive divisions were the major drivers behind the rise. However, manufacturers in communication equipment, electrical machinery and clothing failed to perform. Manufacturing production increased by 1,2% in 2018 compared with 2017, according to Stats SA’s read more »
![Business profit jumps in financial year 2016/17](https://www.statssa.gov.za/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/img4-64x64.png)
Business profit jumps in financial year 2016/17
Some good news in trying times. After two consecutive years of decline, South African businesses recorded a 49% increase in net profit before tax in financial 2017, according to Stats SA’s latest Annual financial statistics (AFS) survey. The mining industry was the largest contributor to this rise. The success of a business generally depends on read more »
![Tourism jobs grow despite sluggish economy](https://www.statssa.gov.za/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/TSA-2017_Infographic_medium-64x64.jpg)
Tourism jobs grow despite sluggish economy
With concerns over job losses in major industries, the tourism sector has shown some resilience in the face of a tough economic climate. In 2017, the sector had its most successful year of job creation in recent times. The tourism sector created 31Â 752 net new jobs in 2017.1 This is the most number of net read more »
Mbalo Brief – October 2018
After recording two consecutive quarters of negative gross domestic product (GDP) growth in the first and second quarter of 2018, South Africa’s economy has slipped into a technical recession. One of the negative contributors to the GDP growth was transport, contributing -4,9 percentage points. However, there is still hope for the industry, especially since October read more »
![The economy shrinks by 0,7% in Q2: 2018](https://www.statssa.gov.za/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/img2-64x64.png)
The economy shrinks by 0,7% in Q2: 2018
The South African economy slipped into recession during the second quarter of 2018, shrinking by 0,7% quarter-on-quarter (seasonally adjusted and annualised). This followed a revised 2,6% contraction in the first quarter of 2018. The widely recognised indicator of recession is two (or more) consecutive quarters of negative growth (real GDP quarter-on-quarter). South Africa experienced its read more »
![Despite the VAT increase, food inflation continues to fall](https://www.statssa.gov.za/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/img3-64x64.png)
Despite the VAT increase, food inflation continues to fall
Annual food inflation continues to slow despite April’s rise in value added tax (VAT). In fact, some food items are actually cheaper than they were a year ago. The items you are now paying less for are in the oil, bread, fruit and sugar categories, according to the latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) release.1 Bread read more »
![BRICS: Where does South Africa rank?](https://www.statssa.gov.za/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/brics1-64x64.png)
BRICS: Where does South Africa rank?
Much excitement surrounds the 10th BRICS Summit currently taking place in Johannesburg. Heads of State and representatives from the club’s five members – Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa – are gearing up for a week of deliberation over common issues and shared interests. As the host, how does South Africa rank in terms read more »