Migrants flock to Gauteng
According to the Mid-year population estimates report for 2018 released by Statistics South Africa, the population of South Africa is estimated at 57,7 million as at 1 July 2018. While births and deaths are considered the main drivers of population change, migration continues to be significant, not only demographically but politically, economically and socially. The report shows read more »
Four facts about municipal debt
Eskom announced earlier this year that it would roll out power cuts to several defaulting municipalities.1 The inability of particular municipalities to honour debt payments has been a thorn in the flesh of local government administration. The following are a few key facts about municipal debt, from Statistics South Africa’s latest Financial census of municipalities read more »
Investing in early childhood development is the future
Investing in early childhood development is the future “If we are to break the cycle of poverty, we need to educate the children of the poor.” – President Cyril Ramaphosa, SoNA 2018 The first one thousand days in a child’s life could hold the key to unlocking his/her life-long potential. By the age of 5, read more »
Infographic: Government’s spending priorities
Stats SA recently released a complete overview of total government spending for 2015/16, providing insight into where your tax contributions have gone. Did you know that more money was spent on the police than on primary education, and more on defence than on environmental protection? Have a look at this infographic for more. According to read more »
Women in power: what do the statistics say?
The message was clear: “We’ve had enough!” Regarded as one of the largest demonstrations at the time, more than 20 000 women marched to the Union Buildings on 9 August 1956 to protest against the apartheid government’s pass laws. This powerful statement of protest brought the struggle for women’s rights to the fore, and signified a read more »
SADHS: A Mirror for South African Health
Risky sexual behaviour still a reality in South Africa Statistics South Africa recently released the South Africa Demographic and Health Survey 2016 Key Indicator Report. The report, which presents key findings from the South Africa Demographic and Health Survey (SADHS) that was conducted in 2016, is intended to provide policy makers and programme managers with read more »
Navigating the water crisis: where do we need the skills?
With South Africa in the grip of drought, the role of local municipalities to provide clean water, maintain infrastructure, and reduce wastage has become more important than ever. Recent data on staff vacancies show which municipalities are struggling to fill funded posts in their water management departments. Municipalities in Free State seem to be struggling read more »
How municipalities help to keep the lights on
Acting as intermediaries, municipalities buy electricity from Eskom in bulk and then re-sell it to various customers (including homes, businesses and government). According to the utility, 42% of the electricity it generated in 2013/14 was sold to redistributors, such as municipalities1. Almost a third of income earned by municipalities (R21,9 billion) in the quarter ended read more »
A glimpse at provincial government’s bank account
How are provincial governments using your tax money? Stats SA’s latest Financial Statistics of Provincial Government report describes the spending patterns of provincial government. Where do provinces get their money from? Mostly, from our tax contributions. Financial statements from 124 provincial government departments show that provincial governments sourced R429,9 billion in revenue in 2013/14. R415,7 read more »