Background Census 2022 was the fourth census after the advent of democracy, with the other three being conducted in 1996, 2001 and 2011. This was the first-ever digital census in South Africa. Census information was collected via a digital questionnaire, using three modes of collection: Computer-assisted Personal Interview (CAPI), where fieldworkers visited households and conducted   read more »

The latest Census results show that the South African population grew to 62 million in 2022. Gauteng remained the province with the highest population (15 million), while Northern Cape has the smallest population at 1,3 million. The Western Cape has moved from being the 5th-largest province in terms of population size in 1996 to being   read more »

After a two-year hiatus, Stats SA has released an experimental set of provincial gross domestic product (GDP) data. Provincial-level figures used to be included annually with the GDP release. Following the publication of the 2019 data, the provincial series was temporarily held back as Stats SA embarked on a complete revamp of national accounts. This   read more »

As Women’s Month draws to a close, recent data provides a snapshot of gender representation in local government. In 2021, South Africa’s municipal workforce numbered 282 286 individuals. Of these, 13 492 were senior-level posts, which include directors and managers.1 Women occupied 5 312 (or 39%) of these senior-level positions, according to Stats SA’s latest Non-financial census of   read more »

The groups that are most susceptible to economic hardship are experiencing large increases in the cost of living, according to the latest inflation data. Together with the headline consumer price index (CPI), Stats SA publishes inflation rates for each province, for ten different income groups and for pensioners. The basket for each of these indices   read more »

Marriage has usually been considered a legally and socially approved union that is regulated by laws, rules, customs and beliefs. However, global and local trends have seen marriages decreasing each year. Marriages are becoming less common, people are marrying later and unmarried couples are increasingly choosing to live together instead of tying the knot. Information   read more »

According to the Recorded Live Births, 2021 report released by Statistics South Africa, almost 1 million births occurred in 2021 and the most popular baby names were Lethabo and Melokuhle for boys and girls respectively. Melokuhle, Lethabo and Lethokuhle were the most popular names amongst both baby girls and boys in South Africa in 2021.   read more »

The population of South Africa is estimated to be 60,6 million by the end of June 2022. Between 2002 and 2022 South Africa experienced a positive population growth year-on-year. A positive growth rate indicates that the population is increasing, despite the devastating impact of COVID-19 globally and within South Africa’s borders. By 2022, measures of   read more »

In 2021, close to 3% of 15-year-olds and nearly 9% of 17-year-olds dropped out of school. The General Household Survey, 2021, released by Statistics South Africa, indicates that although most 18- and 19-year-olds were still attending secondary school, almost three out of 10 pupils aged 18 years (29,3%) and 4 out of 9 (46,3%) of   read more »

Foot-and-mouth disease is scary. The recent outbreak, identified in at least five provinces, has serious implications for the livestock industry. Stats SA takes a look at the revenue streams that might be affected, and identifies where vulnerable industries might be located. What products does agriculture depend on the most? The disease is relentless. It spreads   read more »