REALS Research Institute

A report released by Pew Research Center on March 5, 2026, shows that 80% of South African adults believe it is necessary to believe in God to be moral. This is significantly higher compared to many Western nations, highlighting the strong influence of faith on the country's ethical landscape. South Africa joins Kenya (94%) and India (85%) as nations where a clear majority links religious belief..

The Cape Crime Crisis Coalition (CCCC) has raised red flags over the latest Western Cape crime statistics, highlighting an ongoing crisis of gang-related violence. In response, the Department of Correctional Services (DCS) announced a new gang management strategy to suppress organized crime networks within prisons, a move welcomed by the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee.Source: EWN / Parliament..

Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana confirmed above-inflation increases for social grants starting April 1, 2026. The Old Age and Disability grants will rise to R2,400 per month, and the Child Support grant to R580. This move aims to protect approximately 26.5 million beneficiaries from the rising cost of living.Source: National Treasury / SAnewsDate: 2026-02-25 (Reported on Feb 28/Mar 3)

1. [South Africa/Social] Security Budget Ballooned to Fight Gangsterism & Illegal MiningThe government has allocated a significant increase in the peace and security budget, rising to R291.2 billion by 2028/29. This funding is specifically earmarked to support the deployment of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) to assist police in tackling rampant gangsterism and illegal mining ac..

1. [World/Christianity] 2026 Global Christian Population Growth Report & Regional StatsThe latest 2026 statistics estimate the global Christian population at approximately 2.67 billion (32.3% of the world). A significant trend is the explosive growth in Africa, where the number of Christians has surpassed 740 million. Conversely, Western regions (Europe and North America) are experiencing an ann..

[Economy/Stats] SA to Release Q4 Labour Results: Unemployment Forecast at 32.7%:This morning (Feb 17), Stats SA will release the Q4:2025 Quarterly Labour Force Survey results. Analysts forecast a headline unemployment rate of 32.7%, with youth (15-34) underutilization expected to remain a critical concern at over 40%. Markets are closely watching for any job gains driven by ongoing reforms in th..

1.[Politics/Social] SONA 2026: Ramaphosa Declares War on Organized Crime: In his State of the Nation Address, President Ramaphosa labeled organized crime and "construction mafias" as immediate threats to economic development. He promised an intelligence-led policing model and a new Whistle-Blower Protection Bill. Additionally, the government aims for over 40% of the energy supply to come from re..

1. [Christianity/Stats] 2026 WWL: Sub-Saharan Africa Reaches 'Violence Threshold':According to Open Doors’ 2026 report, the average violence score for 14 Sub-Saharan African countries hit 88% of the maximum possible, marking an all-time high. Nigeria remains the deadliest, with 3,490 Christians killed—over 72% of the global total. Sudan and Mali also recorded maximum violence scores, cementing t..

1. [Social/Stats] Over 1 Million Skilled South Africans Emigrate Due to Crime and Insecurity: The latest '2026 South African Diaspora Report' from UCT reveals that over 1 million highly educated South Africans live overseas. 50% of respondents cited "fears about insecurity and safety" as their primary reason for leaving. The World Bank estimates that crime erodes at least 10% of SA's annual GDP,..

1. [Christianity/Stats] 2026 World Christian Population Report: DRC to Surpass U.S. as #1 Christian Nation:The 2026 report reveals that the global Christian population has hit 2.67 billion, growing at 0.95%, which outpaces the global population growth rate of 0.88%. With 69% of believers now in the Global South, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is projected to replace the U.S. as the w..