According to Stats SA, the domestic manufacturing industry increased by 1,5% in the period, contributing 0,2 percentage points to GDP growth.

The food and beverage division of the sector made the largest contribution to the increase in the first quarter.

Petroleum products, chemicals, rubber and plastics, the source adds in its most recent report, also contributed significantly to the industry’s growth.

On the other hand, finance, real estate and business services increased a combined 0,6% in the first quarter, contributing 0,2 percentage points to GDP.

On the other hand, household final consumption expenditures (HFCE) increased 0,4%, contributing 0,3 percentage point to the total increase.

At that point, according to Stats SA, the main positive contributors were spending on restaurants and hotels, which contributed 0,3 percentage points to GDP, health, transportation, and clothing and footwear.

Despite the positive indicators, analysts warn that the South African economy is still under the negative effects of the national power cuts, which should not be resolved in a stable manner in the short term.

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