Data Stories
Data stories that explain what South Africa's numbers actually mean — written for everyone, not just economists.
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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.
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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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.
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.
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.