The current upswing in the South African economy entered a more advanced stage during the year under review. In the second half of 1979 economic activity recovered also in those sectors in which conditions had remained sluggish during the earlier part of the upswing. Reflecting a stronger and more broadly based recovery, the rate of economic growth accelerated further in the second half of 1979 and gained more momentum in the first half of 1980, averaging 6 ½ per cent for the year as a whole. Higher rates of growth were recorded in the non-agricultural sectors of the economy and an almost equally strong rise occurred in the real output of the agricultural sector. The higher level of economic activity in1979/80was reflected in a more rapid rise ·in employment and unemployment decreased moderately during the year under review.