Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) reveals that the provinces contributed 6%, 5% and 2% respectively towards the country’s overall Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in that year. This is despite the three provinces managing to expand at a rate higher than the national economic growth rate in 2017, due to improved performance in the agriculture and mining sectors. OFM News’ Olebogeng Motse reports that while the three provinces appear to contribute the least to the country’s total economy, the provinces don’t necessarily represent those with the poorest standard of living.

According to Stats SA’s figures, Gauteng and the Western Cape have the highest GDP per capita, followed by the Free State, Northern Cape, Mpumalanga and the North West. The Central SA provinces fall below the national GDP per capita numbers but remain ahead of KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo and the Eastern Cape in that regard.

In early March, OFM News reported the Free State’s contribution to South Africa’s GDP continues to be sluggish, with only a marginal improvement expected in 2019. Treasury MEC, Elzabe Rockman, said the province contributed a paltry 5% towards SA’s total GDP over a three-year time frame. The MEC attributed the province’s stagnant economy to a decline in the industries of agriculture and mining between 2009 and 2017. These industries are at the heart of the province’s economic activity. Manufacturing, electricity and construction industries are not displaying any signs of growth, while tertiary activities saw a marginal increase.

OFM News