South Africa’s economy grew by 1,5% in 2014, down from 2,2% in 2013, according to preliminary estimates of real gross domestic product (GDP) released by Stats SA. Eight of the ten industry groups experienced some growth during the year, while two industries shrank in size. The industry that grew the fastest in 2014 was agriculture1,   read more »

Since 2000, the United Nations (UN) member states observe International Mother Language Day on 21 February. This day was proclaimed by the General Conference of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) in November 1999. The purpose of the celebration is to promote linguistic and cultural diversity and multilingualism. The UN encourages member   read more »

Despite growing concern over the current state of the economy, recent data show that fewer companies closed down in 2014 compared to 2013. The good news is that this is a trend that has been happening for some time. According to the latest Statistics of liquidations and insolvencies report, released by Stats SA on Monday   read more »

The September 2014 Quarterly Employment Statistics (QES) report, released on 11 December 2014, shows that total formal non-agricultural employment decreased by 129 000 jobs from 8,67 million in June 2014 to 8,54 million in September 2014. 132 000 jobs were lost in the government sector. The main contributor to this decline was the Independent Electoral   read more »

With the current electricity supply problems gripping the country, some comfort can be drawn from recent financial data that indicates intensive investment in infrastructure by players in the electricity, gas and water supply industry. The recently published Quarterly financial statistics report, which provides a range of financial statistics on industries in the South African economy,   read more »

25 November 2014: 11:30 a.m. PRESS STATEMENT Real gross domestic product (GDP) at market prices increased by 1,4 per cent during the third quarter of 2014 The seasonally adjusted real GDP at market prices for the third quarter of 2014 increased by an annualised rate of 1,4 per cent compared with an increase of 0,5   read more »

PRESS STATEMENT                                                                                               19 November 2014 Annual Financial Statistics (AFS) 2013 The Annual Financial Statistics (AFS) released by Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) estimates the total turnover of all industries at R6 969 677 million (R7,0 trillion) for 2013, an increase of 8,9% compared with the revised estimate of R6 399 775 million (R6,4 trillion) for 2012. According   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 »

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 »

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 »