47% of South African adults read newspapers. In 2005 the figure was 40%. (AMPS2009B, AMPS2005A)

This week’s theme: Newspapers in SA

4.7 million South African adults read the Daily Sun. Less than 100,000 read the Business Day. (AMPS2009B)

This week’s theme: Newspapers in SA

The informal sector accounts for 17% of employment, at 2.14 million workers. (LFS 2010 Q1)

This week’s theme: Workers in SA

9% of domestic workers have a matric or higher education. (AMPS2009B RA)

This week’s theme: Workers in SA

There are 1.8 million people employed by government (local, provincial and national). A further 223,000 work for a government controlled enterprise (e.g. Eskom, Telkom). (LFS 2010 Q1)

This week’s theme: Workers in SA

1.3 million public sector workers affiliated to COSATU and the ILC will go on strike tomorrow, Tuesday 10th August. The unions are demanding a 8.6% wage increase and a R1,000 housing allowance, while the employers are offering 7% and R630 respectively (and 1.5% fixed pay progression). (http://bit.ly/9pitTu)

This week’s theme: Workers in SA

39% of victims of violent crime (South African adults) did not report the incident(s) to the police, while this was the case for 45% of victims of non-violent crime. (AMPS2009B RA)

This week’s theme: Police in SA

The 56 dedicated World Cup courts have so far cost the justice department R5 million (a budget of R45m was allocated). To date 222 cases have been brought forward (138 convictions, 20 postponements, 12 acquittals and 52 withdrawn). (News24.com, ‘SWC courts way under budget’, 03/08/2010)

This week’s theme: Police in SA

The 2008 General Household Survey indicates that there are approximately 177,000 police officers in South Africa. Government promises 200,000 police officers in the financial year 2010/11. (GHS 2008, Business Day 16/09/2009)

This week’s theme: Police in SA

The number of active private security officers has increased by 167% over the period 1997-2007, while the number of sworn police officials increased by 18% over the same period. (SAIRR Press Release 2/12/2009, www.sairr.org.za)

This week’s theme: Police in SA