The South African economy grew by 1,4%1 in the fourth quarter of 2018, contributing to an overall growth rate of 0,8% for the entire year. The latest set of gross domestic product (GDP) figures released by Stats SA provides an overview of economic performance in 2018. South Africa found itself in economic recession in 2018,   read more »

Mining lost some of its shine in 2018. Production fell by 1,6%, down from the 3,9% rise in 2017. Gold, copper and iron ore were the biggest drags on activity. South African diamond production climbed by 7,7% in 2018, however, the fourth consecutive year of positive growth for the precious stone. Explore mining production, and   read more »

  MEDIA ADVISORY                                                                                      25 February 2019 Mpumalanga to measure employment and business activities in the Province The Statistician-General of South Africa, Mr Risenga Maluleke, together with Mpumalanga MEC for Finance, Economic Development and Tourism, Mr Sikhumbuzo Eric Kholwane,  will launch the Mpumalanga Employment and Business Survey (MEBS) later this week. MEBS aims to acquire   read more »

Consumer inflation dropped to 4,0% in January 2019 from 4,5% in December 2018. This is the lowest annual rate since March 2018, when headline inflation came in at 3,8%. The actual index level is now lower than it was in October 2018, according to Stats SA’s latest Consumer Price Index release1. This means that, on average,   read more »

The Investing in African Mining Indaba, the world’s largest mining conference, ended a week ago in Cape Town. Investment promises made at the conference might have a positive impact on the future of the industry. Stats SA takes a look at how mining fared in 2018. Mining had a lacklustre year. Production fell by 1,6%   read more »

Languages play a vital role in human lives as a tool of communication, education, development and it is the foundation for each person’s unique identity, cultural history, traditions and memory. Despite their huge value, languages around the world continue to vanish at a worrying rate. In trying to protect and raise awareness of indigenous languages,   read more »

The most important month of the year for retail trade is December, when many consumers are on holiday and go Christmas shopping. But December 2018 was a tough month for retail in South Africa. The volume of sales fell by 1,4% year-on-year, which was the first negative annual growth rate since February 2017. The poor   read more »

South Africa’s unemployment rate decreased by 0,4 of a percentage point to 27,1% in the 4th quarter of 2018 compared to the 3rd quarter of 2018 according to the latest Quarterly Labour Force Survey released by Statistics South Africa. The working-age population increased by 149 000 or 0,4% in the 4th quarter of 2018 compared   read more »

The manufacturing industry rebounded in 2018, recording its highest annual growth rate in five years. The food and beverages and automotive divisions were the major drivers behind the rise. However, manufacturers in communication equipment, electrical machinery and clothing failed to perform. Manufacturing production increased by 1,2% in 2018 compared with 2017, according to Stats SA’s   read more »

MEDIA RELEASE                                                                                                                                                              12 February 2019   Quarterly Labour Force Survey – QLFS Q4:2018   The results of the Quarterly   read more »