SA added 56 000 jobs in the first quarter of 2018
The total number of jobs reported in the first quarter showed an increase of 56Â 000 from the previous quarter, bringing the total number of persons employed in the formal non-agricultural sector to 9Â 838Â 000. According to the figures from the Quarterly Employment Statistics (QES) Survey, formal sector jobs rose year-on-year by 74Â 000 in the first quarter read more »
Economy disappoints in Q1 2018, contracting by 2,2%
After growing by 3,1% in the fourth quarter of 2017, the South Africa economy wobbled in the first quarter of 2018, shrinking by 2,2% quarter-on-quarter (seasonally adjusted and annualised). Agriculture, mining and manufacturing were the main contributors to the slowdown, with the electricity, construction and trade industries also recording negative growth. The 2,2% fall is read more »
Four out of ten marriages end in divorce before their 10th anniversary
The recent royal wedding between Prince Harry and Meghan Markle cast the spotlight on fairy-tale weddings. Images of a young couple who are madly in love and vow to spend the rest of their lives together, filled with expectations of a perfect marriage, are what fairy-tale weddings are made of. The truth is that not read more »
Energy and the poor: a municipal breakdown
In April, government reaffirmed its commitment to renewable energy. The Department of Energy signed agreements with 27 independent power producers (IPPs), effectively unlocking R56 billion that will be invested in renewable energy projects across the country, predominantly in rural areas. Jeff Radebe, the Minister of Energy, outlined the importance of moving forward with renewable energy read more »
Higher inflation dampens spirits as taxes take a toll
South Africa’s consumer inflation rate jumped to 4,5% in April after reaching a seven-year low of 3,8% in March. Much of the increase was a result of price rises in product groups that attract specific taxes, namely alcohol, fuel and sugary drinks. A one percentage point increase in value added tax (VAT) also came into read more »
Youth unemployment still high in Q1: 2018
The South African working-age population increased by 153 000 or 0,4 per cent in the first quarter of 2018 compared to the fourth quarter of 2017. The rise in both employment (up by 206 000) and unemployment (up by 100 000) over the quarter led to the rise in the labour force participation rate now read more »
Stats Biz – April 2018
Perspective matters. A lot. Recent provincial economic data published by Stats SA take on a fresh light when they’re ranked against other countries. Gauteng would become the 7th largest economy on the African continent if it became an independent state. The economy of KwaZulu-Natal is roughly the same size as Tanzania’s. Explore our provincial economies, read more »
Five facts about the retail trade industry
The South African trade industry is made up of five divisions: wholesale, motor, accommodation, food and beverages (i.e. restaurants and catering), and retail. Stats SA takes a look at five facts that you might not have known about the retail trade industry. Fact 1: South Africans spent R31Â 900 per second in retail stores in read more »
If South Africa’s provinces were independent states
Perspective matters. A lot. Recent provincial economic data published by Stats SA take on a fresh light when they’re ranked against other countries. Gauteng is South Africa’s economic powerhouse. The province contributed just over a third to South Africa’s economic output in 2016, according to provincial gross domestic product (GDP) figures.1 In runner-up positions were read more »
Tracking municipal revenue and expenditure
Keeping a close eye on municipal finances takes a lot of work. One of Stats SA’s tasks is to compile statistics every quarter on the state of local government finances, from 257 municipalities across the country. Figures for the quarter ending December 2017 were recently released, providing an update on how municipalities spend their money. read more »