Page 5 - QEB_2_2016_lowres

MINISTER’S FOREWORD

It gives me great pleasure to present the Western Cape’s latest
Quarterly Economic Bulletin, which offers an analysis of the trends
in this province’s economy.

This Quarterly Economic Bulletin provides a considered update
on our economy during the second quarter of this year. During
the period under review, new figures, which confirmed that
the Western Cape has continued to outperform the national
economy, were released.

Recent employment data tabled by Statistics South Africa showed that the Western
Cape was the country’s fastest job-creating region. This data showed that there were
210 000 jobs created overall in 2015, with 62 000 jobs created in the last quarter. Jobs
growth was at 9.7%, compared to a national figure of 4.6%, while Gauteng, which is
South Africa’s largest economc centre, grew at only 4.3%. In addition, the very latest
Quarterly Labour Force Survey (Q12016), showed that 92 000 jobs were created year-
on-year in the province.

Our number one objective in the province is the creation of opportunities for jobs and
growth. These latest trends show that through our policy choices, we are moving our
economy in the right direction. This bulletin further sheds light on some of the factors
influencing these gains, and features a broad range of topics. Some of the topics
discussed are the global economic outlook, energising the Western Cape, electric
cars and gap-housing. Our analysts highlight potential opportunities in the economy
and we hear from investors about doing business in the province. PROVINCIAL OUTLOOK NATIONAL OUTLOOK GLOBAL OUTLOOK GAP HOUSING INVESTOR NARRATIVE SPOT THE OPPORTUNITY PORTFOLIO INSIGHTS KHULISA NEWSLETTER ELECTRIC VEHICLES ENERGY SECURITY LOOKING AT GDP

I trust you will find the content engaging, and we encourage your feedback.

Alan Winde
Minister of Economic Opportunities

QUARTERLY ECONOMIC BULLETIN 2016 1