The South Africa I know,

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Results for: Industry Sector

Significant movements into the labour force in the 3rd quarter of 2020

Significant movements into the labour force in the 3rd quarter of 2020

In the 3rd quarter of 2020 there were significant movements in the South African labour market. According to the Quarterly Labour Force Survey (QLFS), a large number of persons moved from the “other not economically active” category to “employed” and “unemployed” status between quarter two and quarter three of 2020. The movement was proportionately more   read more »


Stats SA mobilises expertise to counsel on Census 2021 delivery

For immediate release                                                                                     8 November 2020 Stats SA mobilises expertise to counsel on Census 2021 delivery Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) has appointed a Census National Advisory Committee (NAC), which will serve as an oversight body to advise the Statistician-General as he coordinates and oversees the delivery of the country’s digital population count, Census 2021.    read more »


Further data shows lagging infrastructure investment

Further data shows lagging infrastructure investment

In June 2020, government announced the roll-out of an extensive infrastructure investment drive that would cover 55 projects across six sectors. The programme is an attempt to kick-start an economy battered by COVID-19, as well as to address a history of chronic infrastructure underspending.1 The concern over declining infrastructure investment is further confirmed by Stats   read more »


Mbalo Brief – July 2020

On 28 July 2020, Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) published the Quarterly employment statistics (QES) survey results for the first quarter of 2020. According to the survey, the formal non-agricultural sector shed 3 000 jobs in the first quarter of 2020. This brings the total number of persons employed in the formal non-agricultural sector in South Africa to   read more »


QUARTERLY EMPLOYMENT STATISTICS

Total employment increased by 16 000 or 0,2% quarter-on-quarter, from 10 197 000 in September 2019 to 10 213 000 in December 2019. This was largely due to increases in the following industries: trade (39 000 or 1,7%), business services (12 000 or 0,5%) and community services (3 000 or 0,1%).The electricity industry remained unchanged.   read more »


Economy slips into recession

Economy slips into recession

The South African economy contracted by 1,4% in the fourth quarter of 2019, following a contraction of 0,8% (revised) in the third quarter.1 Transport and trade were the main drags on overall activity, according to the latest gross domestic product (GDP) figures. Seven of the ten industries contracted in the fourth quarter. Finance, mining and   read more »


GDP contracts by 0,6% in the third quarter

GDP contracts by 0,6% in the third quarter

After rebounding by a revised 3,2%1 in the second quarter of 2019, activity in the South African economy slipped slightly in the third quarter. Mining, manufacturing and transport were the biggest drags on growth in gross domestic product (GDP). Mining was down by 6,1%, driven largely by a fall in the production of platinum group   read more »


Working capital: how do South African businesses fare?

Working capital: how do South African businesses fare?

Stats SA provides a snapshot of working capital across the formal business sector in the latest release of the Annual Financial Statistics (AFS) report. Working capital is a measure of a company’s liquidity and is one of a number of measures that provide insight into a company’s ability to pay off debt. To calculate working   read more »


Unemployment rises slightly in third quarter of 2019

Unemployment rises slightly in third quarter of 2019

South Africa’s unemployment rate increased by 0,1 of a percentage point to 29,1% in Q3 of 2019. According to the Quarterly Labour Force Survey (QLFS) released by Statistics South Africa, this is the highest unemployment rate since Stats SA started measuring unemployment using the QLFS in 2008. Between Q2: 2019 and Q3: 2019, the number   read more »


Economy dodges recession as GDP climbs 3,1%

Economy dodges recession as GDP climbs 3,1%

After shrinking sharply in the first quarter of 2019, the economy rebounded from a low base to record positive growth of 3,1%1 in the second quarter (April−June). Mining, finance, trade and government services were the main drivers of growth. Three industries (construction, agriculture and transport) registered a slump in production. Mining was the strongest performer   read more »


P0211 - Quarterly Labour Force Survey (QLFS)

This publication contains results of a Quarterly Labour Force Survey first conducted in January 2008, specifically designed to measure the dynamics of the South African labour market, producing indicators such as employment, unemployment and inactivity. It measures a variety of issues related to the labour market, including the official unemployment rate.read more »


P0211.3 - Volunteer activities survey

This publication contains results of a Quarterly Labour Force Survey first conducted in January 2008, specifically designed to measure the dynamics of the South African labour market, producing indicators such as employment, unemployment and inactivity. It measures a variety of issues related to the labour market, including the official unemployment rate.read more »


P0211.4.1 - National and provincial labour market: Dynamics

The national labour market results mask variations at provincial level which can often be quite large. The nine provinces differ in population size, land mass, demographic profile, and economic structure. This report is the second in a quarterly series which will be released when the QLFS results are reported. The aim is to provide users with an analysis of various aspects of the South African labour market at provincial level, based on current labour market information. The analysis in this report is based solely on the results of the Quarterly Labour Force Survey (QLFS) conducted in the third and fourth quarters of 2012 (Q3: QLFS) and (Q4: QLFS). The data have been revised to reflect the new population benchmarks from the population census of 2011 read more »


P6201 - Retail trade industry

This statistical release contains results from the Retail Trade Large Sample Survey on financial and employment information in the Retail Trade Industry. This is a periodic survey, which measures economic activity in the retail trade industry of the South African economy. The survey is based on a sample of income tax registered private and public enterprises operating in the retail trade industry. Results of the survey are used within Stats SA for compiling South Africa’s National Accounts, e.g. the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and gross fixed capital formation. These statistics are also used by the private sector in analyses of comparative business and industry performance.read more »


P6101 - Wholesale trade industry

The results presented in this publication have been derived from the wholesale trade large sample survey. This is a periodic survey, which measures economic activity in the wholesale trade industry of the South African economy. The survey is based on a sample of income tax registered private and public enterprises operating in the wholesale trade industry. Results of the survey are used within Stats SA for compiling South Africa’s National Accounts, e.g. the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and gross fixed capital formation. These statistics are also used by the private sector in analyses of comparative business and industry performance. read more »


Mangaung

Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality is a Category A municipality. It is situated in the Free State province, in the central interior of South Africa.  The Free State is bordered by Gauteng, the Eastern Cape, Northern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal and North West provinces, as well as the neighbouring country of Lesotho.

Mangaung, meaning “the place of the cheetah”, accentuates the vibrant, dynamic and energetic character of the tourism industry in the “City on the move (at the heart of it all)”.  The economy is strongly driven by the government sector, which has seen the fastest growth in the last five years as a result of increased government programmes in livelihoods improvement interventions.  The finance sector is the second-fastest growing sector due to very active estate and construction activities. Small businesses have a major role to play in the Mangaung economy, in terms of employment creation, income generation and output growth.

Cities/Towns: Bloemfontein, Botshabelo, Mangaung, Thaba Nchu Main Economic Sectors: Government services, finance

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Mtubatuba

Mtubatuba is one of the five municipalities within Umkhanyakude District Municipality in KwaZulu Natal. Mtubatuba was named after the inkosi Mtubatuba of the Mkhwanazi Clan.  It is situated on the north-east coast of the province, and was home to 175  425 people.  Covering an area of approximately 1970km² Mtubatuba Municipality was one of the most urbanised municipality within the district, with 15% of the municipality falling under urban areas. The two main town areas are Mtubatuba and St Lucia.  The vast majority of the municipality was under traditional authority - almost 80% - indicating a high proportion of people residing in scattered, rural villages under the jurisdiction of traditional authorities.  The Isimangaliso Wetland Park World Heritage Site falls under Matubatuba.read more »


Buffalo City

Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality is in the Amathole District of the Eastern Cape Province, on the eastern coast of South Africa.  Consisting of the towns of East London, King William’s Town, Mdantsane, Zwelitsha and Bhisho, the municipality was named after the Buffalo River, which flows through East London.

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City of Tshwane

The City of Tshwane is the capital of South Africa and is the largest municipality, as measured by land mass. Tshwane is amongst the six largestmetropolitan municipalities in South Africa and the second largest in Gauteng, as measured by Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The Tshwane regioncovers 6 368km² of Gauteng’s 19 055km² and houses approximately 2,9million residents.Tshwane consists of seven regions with 105 wards and 210 councillors.

The City has a vibrant and diverse economy, which enables it to contribute at least 26,8% of the Gauteng Province’s GDP and 9,4% of the GDP of the national economy.  Tshwane is the administrative capital of South Africa and is home to the Union Buildings with government-related business playing an important role in the local economy.  As a result, the city is taking active measures to firmly position itself as Africa's leading capital city of excellence.  The municipality's main economic sectors are community services and government, followed by finance and manufacturing.  Metal products, machinery and household products are the largest sub-sectors within manufacturing.  The City has a well-established manufacturing sector, with the automotive industry representing the most significant component.

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uMngeni

uMngeni Municipality pursues the creation of an enabling environment for investment opportunities, and the marketing of the municipality to domestic and international investors. A significant percentage of the high-potential agricultural land in the Midlands Meander falls within uMngeni Municipality. This provides an opportunity for agricultural sector growth. The forestry industry will be transformed through the establishment of community private partnerships. Small scale forestry opportunities will be created. The municipality seeks to build on the already successful tourism industry by promoting job creation in tourism, a safe and secure environment, and marketing the area as tourism destination (uMgungundlovu District Municipality IDP 2012/13).read more »


Transport

Travel survey – Online Updates The National Household Travel survey (NHTS) provides insight into the travel patterns of South African households, providing information on modes of transport used, such as land, air and water transport, as well as cycling, walking, public and private transport. Also included are statistics on travel times, transport challenges experienced by households, and travel patterns related to work, education and leisure. NHTS surveys were conducted in 2003, 2013 and 2020. Transport and the need for transport has become an important part of daily life in South Africa. Not only does the movement of goods and services play an important part in the South African economy, but the types of transport available to individuals affects spatial decisions in terms of work, entertainment, education and place of residence. Stats SA publishes a range of transport-related information in various reports and publications. Travel survey The National Household Travel survey (NHTS) provides insight into the travel patterns of South African households, providing information on modes of transport used, such as land, air and water transport, as well as cycling, walking, public and private transport. Also included are statistics on travel times, transport challenges experienced by households, and travel patterns related to work, education and leisure. NHTS surveys were conducted in 2003 and 2013. Transport and the economy Stats SA’s quarterly Gross domestic product (GDP) release provides information on the size and growth of various industries in the South African economy, including the transport industry. The same publication also includes figures on overall household expenditure on transport. The monthly Motor trade sales release provides the time series data of trade in motor vehicles and motor accessories. The Land transport survey, published on a monthly basis, provides data on passenger and freight transportation by land. The Producer Price Index (PPI) release provides information on the prices of transport equipment leaving the factory gate. The extent to which prices of fuel, public transport and private transport are changing is covered in the monthly Consumer Price Index (CPI) release. Employment Stats SA’s Quarterly Labour Force Survey (QLFS) and Quarterly Employment Survey (QES) provide information on the number of individuals employed in various industries, including the transport industry. Financial indicators The Quarterly Financial Statistics (QFS) and Annual Financial Statistics (AFS) reports provide a financial overview of various industries, including transport, storage and communication. Data on turnover, income and expenditure, profit or loss and various balance sheet items are also included in the reports. The transport and storage industry report for 2013 provides more in-depth information on the size, nature and structure of the transport and storage industry. This periodic survey provides details on employment within the industry, trading income, expenditure, profit or loss, inventories, sales and services, and purchases.read more »


Unemployment

Employment is a key economic indicator and it is sensitive to the business cycle. For example employment peaked in 2008 to approximately 13,8 million when the economy was better. However, during the recession of 2009 and 2010 approximately 806 000 persons lost their jobs. After these two successive years of decline, employment grew by 204 000 and 258 000 persons in 2011 and 2012 respectively. Community & social services industry contributed the most to the growth in employment observed in the past two years. This was followed by Finance and other business services.read more »


Economic Growth

The diverse structure of the South African economy is a critical aspect of its historical and current growth performance.  The manufacturing sector continues to occupy a significant share of the South Africa economy, despite its relative importance declining from 19 percent in 1993 to about 17 percent in 2012 in real terms.

In line with structural changes in many economies, it not surprising to observe that the finance, real estate and business services sector has increase its relative importance of 17 per cent in 1993 to approximately 24 per cent in 2012. These two sectors and a few more are an important part of the South African growth story since the dawn of democracy.

Despite that, less than a decade into the 21st century, many countries, including South Africa, experienced the global economic crisis.This has affected economic growth in South Africa over the last four years, prompting a deceleration in rate of economic growth.

South Africa experienced an average growth rate of approximately 5 per cent in real terms between 2004 and 2007. However, the period 2008 to 2012 only recorded average growth just above 2 per cent; largely a result of the global economic recession.

Of the nine provinces in South Africa, three power houses stand out. Gauteng, Kwazulu-Natal and Western Cape collectively contribute a significant portion to the country’s value added, reported at over 60 percent.

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National Accounts

The diverse structure of the South African economy is a critical aspect of its historical and current growth performance. The manufacturing sector continues to occupy a significant share of the South Africa economy, despite its relative importance declining from 19 percent in 1993 to about 17 percent in 2012 in real terms. In line with structural changes in many economies, it not surprising to observe that the finance, real estate and business services sector has increase its relative importance of 17 per cent in 1993 to approximately 24 per cent in 2012. These two sectors and a few more are an important part of the South African growth story since the dawn of democracy.read more »


Work & Labour Force

There are different forms of work, these include work as employment (work to generate income), unpaid work which includes volunteer work and domestic work for own final household consumption. Statistics South Africa measures all forms of work including work which should be abolished like child labour.

Work as employment is measured from two sources, establishment surveys and household based surveys. The Quarterly Employment Survey (QES) is establishment based while The Quarterly Labour Force Survey (QLFS) is a household based survey. The two sources differ in coverage, scope, unit of measurement and method of collection. Because of these differences, the two sources yield different figures. However, the two sources should be regarded as complementary rather than competitive.

Each source has advantages and limitations in terms of statistics yielded. The QES covers non-agricultural formal sector employment while the QLFS covers total employment in all industries and sectors. The QLFS can also provide information on demographic characteristics of the labour force (employment and unemployment) which the QES cannot provide.

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