Insights
Data stories that explain what South Africa's numbers actually mean — written for everyone, not just economists.
Featured stories
South Africa's Unemployment Crisis
Why one in three South Africans who want work cannot find it — and what is being done about it.
South Africa has one of the world's highest unemployment rates. At 31.4%, more than 7.8 million people are jobless. This story examines the scale of the crisis, its causes, and what progress looks like.
Inflation: What the Numbers Actually Mean for South Africans
CPI hit a 21-year low in 2025 — but does lower inflation mean life is getting cheaper?
South Africa's annual average inflation hit 3.2% in 2025 — the lowest in 21 years. The headline number suggests relief, but food prices, electricity tariffs, and interest rates still squeeze millions of households.
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SA's Economy: Growing, But Not Fast Enough
South Africa's economy grew 1.1% in 2025 — its strongest performance since 2022. But economists say 5% annual growth is needed to make a real dent in unemployment. This story explains the gap between what is happening and what is needed.
Understanding South Africa's Crime Statistics
South Africa recorded 26,232 murders in 2023/24 — a decline from the prior year's peak. But crime statistics are complex documents. This story explains what they measure, what they miss, and how to read them critically.
Matric 2024: Record Pass Rate, Persistent Inequalities
South Africa's 2024 matric pass rate hit a record 87.3%, up from 82.9% in 2023. That's genuinely good news. But the rate masks large disparities between provinces, school types, and subjects.