The population of Jozini showed a slow growth from a total population of 184 206  in 2001  to  186 502 in 2011, and the rate of growth dropped from 2,6% to 0,9%.  Black Africans made up 99% of the population and IsiZulu the most commonly spoken home language.  The population was predominantly youthful, with those aged 14 years and younger making up 41% of the total population – the second highest in the province.

The under 20 age group constituted a significant amount of the population, and those aged between 15 years and  64 years making-up just over half the population (55%) with only 4% of the population 65 years and  older.  The proportion of women stood at 54%  while males made up 46% of the total population.  This profile is indicative of the mostly male, and working-age migration patterns.

Education

With such a high proportion of young persons in the municipality, schooling is a priority.  Jozini has the 5th highest proportion of people in the province with no schooling – 27%.  Of those aged between 5 and 24 years, 81%  people were attending school.  Only a quarter – 25% had completed matric and just 2,8% had higher education.  Although there were high levels of school attendance, very few people progress to tertiary institution or achieve post matric qualification.  Those that do would likely migrate to find places of work opportunity.

Health

Jozini’s HIV/Aids prevalence rate was estimated at 17% and HIV was the leading cause of death in the municipality in 2001 – accounting for 28% of deaths.

Births

The high proportion of persons aged under 4 years – almost 15% of the population – is indicative of high birth rates and survival rates associated improved health services and access to anti-retroviral medication.

Deaths

While the higher proportion of 0-4 years was indicative of a reduction in infant mortality, mortality rates are still high.  The number of HIV deaths  accounted for almost a third of deaths in 2010, followed by Tuberculosis (11%) and cerebrovascular diseases (5%).

Jozini Municipality had a total of 38 849 households in 2011 with average household size of 5.3.  The proportion of households living in formal dwellings was was 76%.  The municipality faces many challenges in the provision of infrastructure.  The proportion of households with flush toilet connected to  sewage was 9,6 and just 10,9% households had piped water inside dwelling and 29,1% households had access to electricity.  Jozini ranks as the third lowest in the province in terms of access to electricity.

Poverty

Jozini Municipality was characterised by high levels of unemployment and poverty Unemployment was recorded at 44% in 2011, and youth unemployment stood at 53%.  Jozini had a total of 692 (1,8%) households headed by children and 54% of households headed by women.  The average household income was 47 018, with almost 80 000 households earning R1 600 or less.

Jozini had limited economic development opportunities and in 2011, unemployment rate stood at 44% with total of 12 559 people unemployed.  The primary investment points are Mkhuze and Jozini; along with Ingwavuma, Ubombo and Bhambanana and serve as the basis for the developing activities and services such as schools, shops, community halls, etc.