South African economy emerges from recession

Building new stadia for the World Cup has protected the construction industry

South Africa has emerged from recession after its economy returned to growth between July and September.

Africa's biggest economy grew by an annualised, seasonally adjusted rate of 0.9% during the quarter, compared with the previous three months.

This represents the first growth in nine months, ending the country's first recession since 1992.

A strong manufacturing sector was largely responsible for the return to growth, Statistics South Africa said.

The sector grew by 7.6% during the quarter compared with the previous quarter. Construction also performed well, growing by 6.1%.

The construction sector has been boosted by the upcoming World Cup, which takes place in South Africa next year.

The country's economy slipped into recession in the final quarter of 2008, and contracted by a revised 7.4% between January and March.

The annualised rate shows what the annual rate would be if the latest change (either annual or quarterly) continued for the rest of the year.