Sandton, South Africa's economic powerhouse
Which province stands out as South Africa's economic powerhouse? Image: Pexels

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Which province is South Africa’s economic powerhouse?

Data from Stats SA reveals which province is South Africa’s economic powerhouse. And what type of economic activity drives that growth.

Sandton, South Africa's economic powerhouse
Which province stands out as South Africa's economic powerhouse? Image: Pexels

Stats SA has released some fascinating information about which province is South Africa’s economic powerhouse. Using Gross Domestic Product (GDP) data, the government-run organisation was able to assess South Africa’s provinces against one another in terms of sheer economic clout. Here’s how they rate …

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SOUTH AFRICA’S ECONOMIC POWERHOUSE

South Africa’s economic powerhouse
Gauteng remains South Africa’s economic powerhouse based on the latest available data. Picture: File.

Due to issues related to the COVID-19 pandemic, this is in fact the first time SA’s nine provinces have been rated by Stats SA in the last two years. Based off economic GDP data from 2022, Stats SA has delineated the following drivers of activity, and which is South Africa’s economic powerhouse, reports Business Live.

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NO. 1 – GAUTENG

In an assessment of South Africa’s economic powerhouse provinces, all provinces achieved growth over the last two years. The national average was 1.9% countrywide. However, Gauteng was number 1, posting the highest rate of growth at 2.8%.

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SOUTH AFRICA’S ECONOMIC POWERHOUSE: GAUTENG AND WC KING

South Africa’s economic powerhouse
Still the city of gold, according to Stats SA. Picture: File.

On a scale of economic clout, these three provinces account for 63% – very nearly two thirds – of SA’s total GDP. Gauteng is out in front with 33%, Western Cape grabs second with 16%, overtaking KwaZulu-Natal (14%). Perhaps no surprises there that the trio are South Africa’s economic powerhouses in terms of sheer economic GDP.

N.CAPE AND FREE STATE LAGGING

According to the data, the Free State (5%) and Northern Cape (2%) were left lagging behind as far as oerall contributors to South Africa’s GDP.

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REAL ESTATE AND FINANCE DOMINATE

Stellenbosch, De Zalze Winelands Golf Estate, mega-mansion, Winelands
A mega-mansion in the Stellenbosch, De Zalze Winelands Golf Estate costs R70 million. Image: Sotheby’s International Realty.

In Gauteng and the Western Cape, the two most powerful provinces, growth was driven by finance, real estate and business services. Gauteng leads with 31%, followed closely by the Western Cape with 30% in these sectors (see graphic below). Impressive considering the disparate populations of each.

FOUR PROVINCES CONTROL MINING

Mining is the largest industry in the Northern Cape, North West, Mpumalanga and Limpopo. Accounting for 30% of GDP in the North West. Home to the world’s largest platinum deposits, mining is responsible for roughly one quarter of GDP in these four provinces.

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South Africa’s economic powerhouse
Graphic: Stats SA.

TOP SA MANUFACTURING HUBS

Five provinces contribute to South Africa’s manufacturing might. The Western Cape, Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng and Mpumalanga. These five provinces employ 90% of the national manufacturing workforce.

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