GDP rallies as lockdown restrictions ease
South Africa’s economy rebounded in the third quarter of 2020 (July–September), coinciding with the easing of COVID-19 lockdown restrictions. All industries recorded an increase in economic activity compared with the second quarter, with manufacturing, trade and mining leading the charge. Businesses were supported by an increase in both exports and household spending. Gross domestic product read more »
Steep slump in GDP as COVID-19 takes its toll on the economy
The punch in the gut was severe. Perhaps the second quarter of 2020 will become known as the pandemic quarter. South Africa’s economy suffered a significant contraction during April, May and June, when the country operated under widespread lockdown restrictions in response to COVID-19. Gross domestic product (GDP) fell by just over 16% between the read more »
GDP falls by 2,0%
The South African economy recorded its third consecutive quarter of economic decline, falling by 2,0% (seasonally adjusted and annualised) in the first quarter of 2020.1 This followed a contraction of -1,4% and -0,8% in the fourth and third quarters of 2019, respectively. The results presented here cover the period 1 January 2020 to 31 March read more »
COVID-19: Nine in ten businesses report reduced turnover
The second wave of Stats SA’s COVID-19 business impact survey provides an update on how South African businesses are currently faring under lockdown. The first impact survey covered the period 30 March to 13 April 2020, and the results were published on 21 April.1 The survey asked firms in the formal sector how the COVID-19 read more »
COVID-19: Four in ten businesses feel that they cannot continue to operate
Media release                                                                                              21 April 2020  COVID-19: Four in ten businesses feel that they cannot continue to operate  The results of a rapid response survey conducted by Stats SA during the lockdown was released today. Businesses were asked how the current crisis affected their operations in the two-week period from 30 March to 13 April 2020. read more »
COVID-19: Four in ten businesses feel that they cannot continue to operate
A rapid response survey, conducted by Stats SA during the lockdown, asked businesses how the current crisis is affecting their operations in the two-week period from 30 March to 13 April 2020. This is what they told us. A total of 707 businesses in the formal sector responded to the survey, outlining the pandemic’s impact read more »
GDP in the fourth quarter of 2019 decreased by 1,4%
Press statement                                                                                    Embargo: Tuesday 3 March 2020, 11:30 GDP in the fourth quarter of 2019 decreased by 1,4% Gross domestic product (measured by production) South Africa’s gross domestic product (GDP) decreased by 1,4% in the fourth quarter of 2019.1 The transport, storage and communication industry read more »
Mbalo Brief – September 2019
Citizens around the world celebrated International Literacy Day on 8 September 2019. This day, which was established by the United Nations (UN) in 1966, has been celebrated annually with the key aim to highlight improvements in literacy and numeracy rates while also providing a chance to reflect on the world’s literacy challenges. The UN has dubbed read more »
GDP in the second quarter of 2019 increased by 3,1%
Press statement                                                                    Embargo: Tuesday 3 September 2019, read more »
Economy dodges recession as GDP climbs 3,1%
After shrinking sharply in the first quarter of 2019, the economy rebounded from a low base to record positive growth of 3,1%1 in the second quarter (April−June). Mining, finance, trade and government services were the main drivers of growth. Three industries (construction, agriculture and transport) registered a slump in production. Mining was the strongest performer read more »