Infrastructure investment has a long-term impact on the economy, supporting travel, communication, logistics and service provision. The South African public-sector recorded a second consecutive year of capital expenditure growth, boosted mainly by increased spending by public corporations. Capital expenditure includes money that is spent on machinery, construction, equipment, buildings, land and other fixed assets. In   read more »

Each province has its own unique economic profile. The latest set of regional gross domestic product (GDP) figures paint a picture of what drives economic activity in each province. The data also shows what each province brings to the economic table of the country. Which industries drive your provincial economy? Gauteng is the nation’s economic   read more »

Annual consumer inflation cooled for a fourth consecutive month, easing to 3,8% in September from 4,4% in August. This is the lowest inflation print since March 2021, when the rate was 3,2%. On average, prices increased by 0,1% between August 2024 and September 2024. Transport inflation continues to ease Softer transport inflation – specifically lower fuel prices –   read more »

Stress is a natural human response that’s part of everyday life which affects adults and adolescents to some degree. However, when stress becomes overwhelming or difficult to bear it may result in mental health disorders such as anxiety and depression. It is often difficult for people to talk about mental health disorders due to fear   read more »

You can’t teach a hungry child. In 1994, the South African government established the National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP), a nationwide project that provides meals to schools in poorer communities. Stats SA provides a glimpse into how much money is spent on this vitally important initiative. Explore school nutrition, as well as other stories, in   read more »

Stats SA published several quarterly and annual reports in September, along with the usual set of monthly indicators. South African economy expands in the second quarter The month began with the release of the latest gross domestic product (GDP) figures, covering the second quarter of the year. The economy saw some growth, mainly lifted by   read more »

Empty stomachs, empty classrooms: Investment in school feeding schemes The South African government spent R8,4 billion in 2022/23 on its nationwide school feeding scheme. Recent data provides a provincial breakdown, as well as how this spending has shifted over the years. South Africa’s school-nutrition programme In 1994, the South African government established the National School Nutrition   read more »

In 2022/23, 19 418 reported cases of common assault and assault with GBH crimes were committed against children, making up about 45,0% of all reported crimes against children in this period. Rape was the most reported crime against children, accounting for 38,3% of all cases involving minors. Although the number of incidents has decreased, it   read more »

According to the Quarterly Employment Statistics (QES, Q2:2024) survey released by Statistics South Africa (Stats SA), total employment in the formal non-agricultural sector increased by 42 000 in the second quarter of 2024, bringing the level of employment to 10,7 million. According to the survey 144 000 jobs were lost between June 2023 and June 2024.   read more »

Consumer inflation slowed for a third consecutive month, cooling to 4,4% in August from 4,6% in July. This is the lowest inflation print since April 2021 when the rate was also 4,4%. Lower annual rates were recorded for several product groups, most notably transport, housing, and restaurants & hotels. In contrast, inflation for food & non-alcoholic   read more »