After a challenging year of job losses, South Africa’s formal non-agricultural sector showed a glimmer of recovery in the final quarter of 2024. According to the Quarterly Employment Statistics (QES, Q4:2024) survey released by Statistics South Africa (Stats SA), employment in the sector rose by 12 000 jobs, reaching 10,64 million by December 2024. This   read more »

Annual consumer price inflation was 3,2% in February, unchanged from January. This marks the fourth consecutive month that inflation has remained above the four-and-a-half-year low of 2,8% in October. The monthly change in the consumer price index (CPI) was 0,9% in February. Recreation, sport & culture; food & non-alcoholic beverages (NAB); alcoholic beverages & tobacco;   read more »

Homelessness is a known global phenomenon which affects approximately 150 million people around the world. It affects children, women and men of all races and ages in developed and developing countries. Over the last two decades, the number of homeless persons in South Africa increased substantially from 13 135 in 1996 to 55 719 in   read more »

Since South Africa’s transition to democracy in 1994, the nation has prided itself on its rich cultural and ethnic diversity, earning the title of the “Rainbow Nation.” Over the years, this diversity has not remained static – language, family structures, and religious affiliations have shifted, painting a dynamic picture of societal evolution. A new report   read more »

Agriculture, trade and finance kept the South African economy above water in the fourth quarter of 2024. The three industries contributed positively to the 0,6% rise in the gross domestic product (GDP). Agriculture was lifted by field crops and animal products, while trade expanded on the back of increased wholesale, motor and retail trade. Explore   read more »

The number of homeless persons in South Africa has increased significantly over the past few decades, reflecting the ongoing challenges the country faces, particularly in the areas of inequality and poverty. According to a new report, A Profile of Homeless Persons in South Africa, 2022 released by Statistics South Africa (Stats SA), in 1996, the   read more »

Following a contraction of 0,1% in the third quarter of 2024, the South African gross domestic product (GDP) expanded by 0,6% in the fourth quarter (October–December).1 Growth was led by agriculture, finance and trade on the supply (production) side of the economy. Household spending led growth on the demand (expenditure) side. Annually, the GDP grew   read more »

Economic data published this month provide preliminary insight into how the South African economy performed in the fourth quarter of 2024 and the calendar year Winners and losers The fourth quarter was generally downbeat across selected sectors, with only four keeping their heads above water. Wholesale trade, retail trade, motor trade and rail passenger transport   read more »

Retail trade sales surged in November, marking the most significant year-on-year jump for the month in seven years.1 The latest round of data, which concludes the results for the calendar year, provides an opportunity to re-examine2 November sales over time. November nipping at Santa’s heels One can think of Black Friday as a competitor to   read more »

27 February 2025 MEDIA ADVISORY                                                                      Statistics South Africa to release the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) Q4 2024   Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) will release the results of the Gross domestic product (GDP) for the fourth quarter of 2024, at a media briefing on Tuesday, 4 March  2025 in Tshwane. The results will   read more »