Monthly gold production reached a new monthly low in January, according to data released by Stats SA1. Although a number of temporary factors might have contributed to the unusually low level, general historical trends show that gold has lost the prominent place it once had in the South African economy. Stats SA has published comparable   read more »

Mining production decreased by 1,5% in 2014 compared with 2013. The negative outcome was largely the result of declines in platinum group metals (PGMs) (‑28,7%) and gold (‑5,1%). Iron ore production grew by 12,6% in 2014 and coal grew by 2,0%. The sharp decline in PGMs in 2014 was the result of widespread strikes in   read more »

Less electricity was generated in South Africa in 2014 compared with 2013. Recent data show that national electricity production has been in decline after peaking in 2011, highlighting the country’s continued struggle to keep the lights on. The latest Electricity produced and available for distribution publication, released by Stats SA on Thursday, 5 February 2014,   read more »

“Prior to the advent of democracy, there was no reliable source of information available about us or about the country and that is why in 1996, the post-apartheid government conducted its first population census. The importance of Census 2011 cannot be over-emphasised – it is the only tool available to any nation or any country   read more »

As Census 2011 advocacy and publicity programme is steadily gaining momentum, one thing is clear – Census 2011 is here and everyone counts! Census 2011, widely described as a ‘national effort that the country should be proud of’, has already been launched in North West, East London, Northern Cape, Limpopo and Free State. “Without numbers that are tested through   read more »

In just under a year’s time all people within the borders of South Africa will be counted on the night of the 9th and 10th October 2011 in the biggest census ever conducted in this country. This census is set to provide the most comprehensive picture of the South African society and economy in the   read more »

Statement by President Jacob Zuma marking 50 day countdown to Census 2011, Union Buildings, Pretoria, Tshwane 22 Aug 2011 Minister Trevor Manuel, Ladies and gentlemen of the media, Today, 22 August 2011 we begin the 50 day countdown towards the National Census. The Minister responsible for Statistics South Africa, Minister in the Presidency, Trevor Manuel,   read more »

With just under a month to go before the start of Census 2011, Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) has formed a partnership with the Congress of Traditional Leaders of South Africa (CONTRALESA) in an effort to ensure that rural South Africa is counted. Statistician-General Mr Pali Lehohla called on all traditional leaders to inform their   read more »

Modern tools of communication and dissemination of data create greater possibilities for access, understanding and use.  Stats SA and the African Development Bank have created the attached animation to tell the story of trade potential in Africa. The Statistician-General (SG) for South Africa, Mr Pali Lehohla, will share a presentation with the 24th African Union   read more »

Invitation to the 2nd ISIbalo Lecture A World That Counts – Data Revolution for the post-2015 sustainable development goals agenda: Talk at the University of Pretoria The Statistician-General, Mr Pali Lehohla, has great pleasure in inviting you to the Data Revolution Outreach Programme, to be hosted by the Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the University of   read more »