Abstract

Every person, household and institution present in South Africa on Census Night, 9-10 October 1996, should have been enumerated in Census '96. The intent was to provide a count of all persons present within the territory of the Republic of South Africa at that time. More specifically, the purpose of this census was to collect, process and disseminate detailed statistics on population size, composition and distribution at a small area level. The 1996 South African population Census contains data collected on HOUSEHOLDS and INSTITUTIONS: dwellling type, home ownership, household assets, access to services and energy sources; INDIVIDUALS: age, population group, language, religion, citizenship, migration, fertility, mortality and disability; and economic characteristics of individuals, including employment activities and unemployment.

Geographic coverage

The South African Census 1996 has national coverage.

Analysis unit

The units of analysis for the South Africa Census 1996 were households, individuals and institutions

Universe

The South African Census 1996 covered every person present in South Africa on Census Night, 9-10 October 1996 (except foreign diplomats and their families).

Kind of data

Census/enumeration data [cen]

Sampling procedure

The data in the South African Census 1996 data file is a 10% unit level sample drawn from Census 1996 as follows:

1) Households: • A 10% sample of all households (excluding special institutions and hostels)

2) Persons: • A 10% sample of all persons as enumerated in the 1996 Population Census in South Africa

The census household records were explicitly stratified according to province and district council. Within each district council the records were further implicitly stratified by local authority. Within each implicit stratum the household records were ordered according to the unique seven-digit census enumerator area number, of which the first three digits are the (old) magisterial district number.

Mode of data collection

Face-to-face [f2f]

Research instrument

Different methods of enumeration were used to accommodate different situations and a variety of questionnaires were used. The information collected with each questionnaire differed slightly. The questionnaires used were as follows:

Questionnaire 1: (Household and personal questionnaire) This questionnaire was used in private households and within hostels which provided family accommodation. It contained 50 questions for each person and 15 for each household. Every household living in a private dwelling should have been enumerated on a household questionnaire. This questionnaire obtained information about the household and about each person who was present in the household on census night.

Questionnaire 2: (Summary book for hostels) This questionnaire was used to list all persons/households in the hostel and included 9 questions about the hostel. A summary book for hostels should have been completed for each hostel (that is, a compound for workers provided by mines, other employers, municipalities or local authorities). This questionnaire obtained information about the hostel and also listed all household and/or persons enumerated in the hostel. Some hostels contain people living in family groups. Where people were living as a household in a hostel, they were enumerated as such on a household questionnaire (which obtained information about the household and about each person who was present in the household on Census Night). On the final census file, they will be listed as for any other household and not as part of a hostel. Generally, hostels accommodate mostly individual workers. In these situations, persons were enumerated on separate personal questionnaires. These questionnaires obtained the same information on each person as would have been obtained on the household questionnaire. The persons will appear on the census file as part of a hostel. Some hostels were enumerated as special institutions and not on the questionnaires designed specifically for hostels.

Questionnaire 3: (Enumerator's book for special enumeration) This questionnaire was used to obtain very basic information for individuals within institutions such as hotels, prisons, hospitals etc. as well as for homeless persons. Only 6 questions were asked of these people. The questionnaire also included 9 questions about the institution. An enumerator's book for special enumeration should have been completed for each institution such as prisons and hospitals. This questionnaire obtained information on the institution and listed all persons present. Each person was asked a brief sub-set of questions - just 7 compared to around 50 on the household and personal questionnaires. People in institutions could not be enumerated as households. Homeless persons were enumerated during a sweep on census night using a special questionnaire. The results were later transcribed to standard enumerator's books for special enumeration to facilitate coding and data entry.

Response rate

The final calculation of the undercount of persons, based on analysis of a post-enumeration survey (PES) conducted shortly after the original census, was performed by Statistics South Africa. The estimated reponse rates are detailed below, both according to stratum and for the country as a whole. An estimated 10,7% of the people in South Africa, through the course of the census process, were not enumerated. For more information on the undercount and PES, see the publication, "Calculating the Undercount in Census '96", Statistics South Africa Report No. 03-01-18 (1996) which is included in the external documents section.

Undercount of persons by province (stratum, in %):

Western Cape 8,69
Eastern Cape 10,57
Northern Cape 15,59
Free State 8,75
KwaZulu-Natal 12,81
North West 9,37
Gauteng 9,99
Mpumalanga 10,09
Northern Province 11,28

South Africa 10,69

Abstract

Censuses are principal means of collecting basic population and housing statistics required for social and economic development, policy interventions, their implementation and evaluation. The Post-Apartheid South African government has conducted three Censuses, in 1996, 2001 and 2011.

Geographic coverage

The South African Census 2011 has national coverage.

Analysis unit

Households and individuals

Universe

The South African Census 2011 covered every person present in South Africa on Census Night, 9-31 October 2011 including all de jure household members and residents of institutions.

Kind of data

Census/enumeration data

Sampling procedure

The sampling frame for the PES was the complete list of Census 2011 EAs, amounting to 103 576 EAs. The primary sampling units (PSUs) were the Census EAs. The principle for selecting the PES sample is that the EA boundaries for sampled EAs should have well defined boundaries, and these boundaries should correspond with those of Census EAs to allow for item-by-item comparison between the Census and PES records. The stratification and sampling process followed will allow for the provision of estimates at national, provincial, urban (geography type = urban) and non-urban (geography type = farm and traditional) levels, but estimates will only be reliable at national and provincial levels. The sample of 600 EAs was selected and allocated to the provinces based on expected standard errors which were based on those obtained in PES 2001. Populations in institutions (other than Workers' Hostels), floating and homeless individuals were excluded from the PES sample.

The data files in the dataset include Household, Person, and Mortality files. The 10% sample for the Mortality data file was sampled separately and is not the same as the 10% sample for Household file and Person file.

Mode of data collection

Face-to-face

Research instrument

Three sets of questionnaires were developed for Census 2011: 1. Questionnaire A - the household questionnaire - administed to the population in a household set-up including those households that were found within an institution, such as staff residences 2. Questionnaire B - the population in transit (departing) and those on holiday on reference night (9/10 October 2011). The homeless were also enumerated using this set of questions 3. Questionnaire C - the institutions questionnaire administered to the population in collective living quarters (people who spent census night 9/10 October 2011 at the institution)

A Post-Enumeration Survey was carried out after the census, which used a PES questionnaire.

Sampling error estimates

Comparison of Census 2011 with previous Censuses requires alignment of the data to 2011 municipal boundaries Questions on disability asked in former censuses were replaced in census 2011 with General health and functioning questions. Misreporting on general health and functioning for children younger than five years means data for this variable are only profiled for persons five years and older.

Data appraisal

The dataset does not have a code list for the “geotype” variable which has 3 values (1,2,3).

Abstract

Censuses are principal means of collecting basic population and housing statistics required for social and economic development, policy interventions, their implementation and evaluation.The census plays an essential role in public administration. The results are used to ensure: • equity in distribution of government services • distributing and allocating government funds among various regions and districts for education and health services • delineating electoral districts at national and local levels, and • measuring the impact of industrial development, to name a few The census also provides the benchmark for all surveys conducted by the national statistical office. Without the sampling frame derived from the census, the national statistical system would face difficulties in providing reliable official statistics for use by government and the public. Census also provides information on small areas and population groups with minimum sampling errors. This is important, for example, in planning the location of a school or clinic. Census information is also invaluable for use in the private sector for activities such as business planning and market analyses. The information is used as a benchmark in research and analysis.

Census 2011 was the third democratic census to be conducted in South Africa. Census 2011 specific objectives included: - To provide statistics on population, demographic, social, economic and housing characteristics; - To provide a base for the selection of a new sampling frame; - To provide data at lowest geographical level; and - To provide a primary base for the mid-year projections.

Geographic coverage

National

Analysis unit

Households, Individuals

Kind of data

Census/enumeration data [cen]

Mode of data collection

Face-to-face [f2f]

Research instrument

About the Questionnaire : Much emphasis has been placed on the need for a population census to help government direct its development programmes, but less has been written about how the census questionnaire is compiled. The main focus of a population and housing census is to take stock and produce a total count of the population without omission or duplication. Another major focus is to be able to provide accurate demographic and socio-economic characteristics pertaining to each individual enumerated. Apart from individuals, the focus is on collecting accurate data on housing characteristics and services.A population and housing census provides data needed to facilitate informed decision-making as far as policy formulation and implementation are concerned, as well as to monitor and evaluate their programmes at the smallest area level possible. It is therefore important that Statistics South Africa collects statistical data that comply with the United Nations recommendations and other relevant stakeholder needs.

The United Nations underscores the following factors in determining the selection of topics to be investigated in population censuses: a) The needs of a broad range of data users in the country; b) Achievement of the maximum degree of international comparability, both within regions and on a worldwide basis; c) The probable willingness and ability of the public to give adequate information on the topics; and d) The total national resources available for conducting a census.

In addition, the UN stipulates that census-takers should avoid collecting information that is no longer required simply because it was traditionally collected in the past, but rather focus on key demographic, social and socio-economic variables.It becomes necessary, therefore, in consultation with a broad range of users of census data, to review periodically the topics traditionally investigated and to re-evaluate the need for the series to which they contribute, particularly in the light of new data needs and alternative data sources that may have become available for investigating topics formerly covered in the population census. It was against this background that Statistics South Africa conducted user consultations in 2008 after the release of some of the Community Survey products. However, some groundwork in relation to core questions recommended by all countries in Africa has been done. In line with users' meetings, the crucial demands of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) should also be met. It is also imperative that Stats SA meet the demands of the users that require small area data.

Accuracy of data depends on a well-designed questionnaire that is short and to the point. The interview to complete the questionnaire should not take longer than 18 minutes per household. Accuracy also depends on the diligence of the enumerator and honesty of the respondent.On the other hand, disadvantaged populations, owing to their small numbers, are best covered in the census and not in household sample surveys.Variables such as employment/unemployment, religion, income, and language are more accurately covered in household surveys than in censuses.Users'/stakeholders' input in terms of providing information in the planning phase of the census is crucial in making it a success. However, the information provided should be within the scope of the census.

1. The Household Questionnaire is divided into the following sections:
2. Household identification particulars

3. Individual particulars Section A: Demographics Section B: Migration Section C: General Health and Functioning Section D: Parental Survival and Income Section E: Education Section F: Employment Section G: Fertility (Women 12-50 Years Listed) Section H: Housing, Household Goods and Services and Agricultural Activities Section I: Mortality in the Last 12 Months The Household Questionnaire is available in Afrikaans; English; isiZulu; IsiNdebele; Sepedi; SeSotho; SiSwati;Tshivenda;Xitsonga

4. The Transient and Tourist Hotel Questionnaire (English) is divided into the following sections:

5. Name, Age, Gender, Date of Birth, Marital Status, Population Group, Country of birth, Citizenship, Province.

6. The Questionnaire for Institutions (English) is divided into the following sections:

7. Particulars of the institution

8. Availability of piped water for the institution

9. Main source of water for domestic use

10. Main type of toilet facility

11. Type of energy/fuel used for cooking, heating and lighting at the institution

12. Disposal of refuse or rubbish

13. Asset ownership (TV, Radio, Landline telephone, Refrigerator, Internet facilities)

14. List of persons in the institution on census night (name, date of birth, sex, population group, marital status, barcode number)

15. The Post Enumeration Survey Questionnaire (English)

These questionnaires are provided as external resources.

Cleaning operations

Data editing and validation system The execution of each phase of Census operations introduces some form of errors in Census data. Despite quality assurance methodologies embedded in all the phases; data collection, data capturing (both manual and automated), coding, and editing, a number of errors creep in and distort the collected information. To promote consistency and improve on data quality, editing is a paramount phase in identifying and minimising errors such as invalid values, inconsistent entries or unknown/missing values. The editing process for Census 2011 was based on defined rules (specifications).

The editing of Census 2011 data involved a number of sequential processes: selection of members of the editing team, review of Census 2001 and 2007 Community Survey editing specifications, development of editing specifications for the Census 2011 pre-tests (2009 pilot and 2010 Dress Rehearsal), development of firewall editing specifications and finalisation of specifications for the main Census.

Editing team The Census 2011 editing team was drawn from various divisions of the organisation based on skills and experience in data editing. The team thus composed of subject matter specialists (demographers and programmers), managers as well as data processors. Census 2011 editing team was drawn from various divisions of the organization based on skills and experience in data editing. The team thus composed of subject matter specialists (demographers and programmers), managers as well as data processors.

The Census 2011 questionnaire was very complex, characterised by many sections, interlinked questions and skipping instructions. Editing of such complex, interlinked data items required application of a combination of editing techniques. Errors relating to structure were resolved using structural query language (SQL) in Oracle dataset. CSPro software was used to resolve content related errors. The strategy used for Census 2011 data editing was implementation of automated error detection and correction with minimal changes. Combinations of logical and dynamic imputation/editing were used. Logical imputations were preferred, and in many cases substantial effort was undertaken to deduce a consistent value based on the rest of the household’s information. To profile the extent of changes in the dataset and assess the effects of imputation, a set of imputation flags are included in the edited dataset. Imputation flags values include the following: 0 no imputation was performed; raw data were preserved 1 Logical editing was performed, raw data were blank 2 logical editing was performed, raw data were not blank 3 hot-deck imputation was performed, raw data were blank 4 hot-deck imputation was performed, raw data were not blank

Data appraisal

Independent monitoring and evaluation of Census field activities Independent monitoring of the Census 2011 field activities was carried out by a team of 31 professionals and 381 Monitoring

Geographic coverage

The survey had national coverage

Analysis unit

Households and individuals

Universe

The census covered all households in South Africa

Kind of data

Census enumeration data

Mode of data collection

Face-to-face [f2f]

Research instrument

The dataset was obtained without a questionnaire and this is currently being sourced by DataFirst

Abstract

The 1980 South African Population Census was a count of all persons present on Republic of South African territory during census night (i.e. at midnight between 6 and 7 May 1980). The purpose of the population census was to collect, process and disseminate detailed statistics on population size, composition and distribution at small area level. The 1980 South African Population Census contains data collected on HOUSEHOLDS: household goods and dwelling characteristics as well as employment of domestic workers; INDIVIDUALS: population group, citizenship/nationality, marital status, fertility and infant mortality, education, employment, religion, language and disabilities, as well as mode of transport used and participation in sport and other recreational activities

Geographic coverage

The 1980 census covered the so-called white areas of South Africa, i.e. the areas in the former four provinces of the Cape, the Orange Free State, Transvaal, and Natal. It also covered areas in the following so-called National States of Ciskei, KwaZulu, Gazankulu, Lebowa, Qwaqwa, Kangwane, and Kwandebele. The 1980 South African census excluded the areas of the Transkei and Bophuthatswana. A census data file for Bophuthatswana was released with the final South African Census 1980 dataset.

Analysis unit

The units of analysis of the 1980 census includes households, individuals and institutions

Universe

The 1980 South African census covered all household members (usual residents).

The 1980 South African Population Census was enumerated on a de facto basis, that is, according to the place where persons were located during the census. All persons who were present on Republic of South African territory during census night (i.e. at midnight between 6 and 7 May 1980) were enumerated and included in the data. Visitors from abroad who were present in the RSA on holiday or business on the night of the census, as well as foreigners (and their families) who were studying or economically active, were not enumerated and included in the figures. Likewise, members of the Diplomatic and Consular Corps of foreign countries were not included. However, the South African personnel linked to the foreign missions including domestic workers were enumerated. Crews and passengers of ships were also not enumerated, unless they were normally resident in the Republic of South Africa. Residents of the RSA who were absent from the night were as far as possible enumerated on their return and included in the region where they normally resided. Personnel of the South African Government stationed abroad and their families were, however enumerated. Such persons were included in the Transvaal (Pretoria).

Kind of data

Census/enumeration data [cen]

Mode of data collection

Face-to-face [f2f]

Research instrument

The 1980 Population Census questionnaire was administered to all household members and covered household goods and dwelling characteristics, and employment of domestic workers. Questions concerning individuals included those on citizenship/nationality, marital status, fertility and infant mortality, education, employment, religion, language and disabilities, as well as mode of transport used and participation in sport and other recreational activities.

The following questions appear in the questionnaire but the corresponding data has not been included in the data set: PART C: PARTICULARS OF DWELLING: 2. How many separate families (i) Number of families (ii) Number of non-family persons (iii) total number of occupants [i.e. persons in families shown against (i) plus persons shown against 3. Persons employed by household Full-time, Part-time (a) How many persons are employed as domestics by you? (Include garden workers) (b) Total cash wages paid to above –mentioned persons for April 1980 4. Ownership – Do not answer this question if your dwelling is on a farm. (i) Own dwelling – (Including hire-purchase, sectional title property or property of wife): (a) Is the dwelling Fully paid Partly paid-off (b) If partly paid-off, state monthly repayment (include housing subsidy, but exclude insurance. (ii) Rented or occupied free dwelling : (a) Is the dwelling occupied free, rented furnished, rented unfurnished (b) If rented, state monthly rent (c) Is the dwelling owned by the employer? (d) Does it belong to the state, SA Railways, a provincial administration, a divisional council, or a municipality or other local authority? PART D: PARTICULARS OF THE FAMILY 1. Number of members in the family 2. Occupation. (Nature of work done) (a) Head of family (b) Wife 3. Annual income of head of family and wife. Annual income of: Head, Wife (if applicable)

Geographic coverage

The 1985 census covered the so-called white areas of South Africa, i.e. the areas in the former four provinces of the Cape, the Orange Free State, Transvaal, and Natal. It also covered the so-called National States of KwaZulu, Kangwane, Gazankulu, Lebowa, Qwaqwa, and Kwandebele. The 1985 South African census excluded the areas of the Transkei, Bophutatswana, Ciskei, and Venda.

The 1985 Census dataset contains 9 data files. These refer to Development Regions demarcated by the South African Government according to their socio-economic conditions and development needs. These Development Regions are labeled A to J (there is no Region I, presumably because Statistics SA felt an "I" could be confused with the number 1). The 9 data files in the 1985 Census dataset refer to the following areas:

DEV REGION AREA COVERED A Western Cape Province including Walvis Bay B Northern Cape C Orange Free State and Qwaqwa D Eastern Cape/Border E Natal and Kwazulu F Eastern Transvaal, KaNgwane and part of the Simdlangentsha district of Kwazulu G Northern Transvaal, Lebowa and Gazankulu H PWV area, Moutse and KwaNdebele J Western Transvaal

Analysis unit

The units of analysis under observation in the South African census 1985 are households and individuals

Universe

The South African census 1985 census covered the provinces of the Cape, the Orange Free State, Transvaal, and Nata and the so-called National States of KwaZulu, Kangwane, Gazankulu, Lebowa, Qwaqwa, and Kwandebele. The 1985 South African census excluded the areas of the Transkei, Bophutatswana, Ciskei, and Venda.

Kind of data

Census/enumeration data [cen]

Sampling procedure

Although the census was meant to cover all residents of the so called white areas of South Africa, in 88 areas door-to-door surveys were not possible and the population in these areas was enumerated by means of a sample survey conducted by the Human Sciences Research Council.

Mode of data collection

Face-to-face [f2f]

Research instrument

The1985 population census questionnaire was administered to each household and collected information on household and area type, and information on household members, including relationship within household, sex, age, marital status, population group, birthplace, country of citizenship, level of education, occupation, identity of employer and the nature of economic activities

Data appraisal

UNDER-ENUMERATION: The following under-enumeration figures have been calculated for the 1985 census. Estimated percentage distribution of undercount by race according to the HSRC: Percent undercount
Whites 7.6%
Blacks in the “RSA” 20.4% Blacks in the “National States” 15.1% Coloureds 1.0% Asians 4.6%

Abstract

The 1991 South African population census was an enumeration of the population and housing in South Africa.The census collected data on dwellings and individuals' demographic, family and employment details.

Geographic coverage

The South African Census 1991 covered the whole of South Africa. The "homelands" of Transkei, Bophuthatswana, Venda and Ciskei were enumerated separately and the dataset contains data files for Bophuthatswana, Venda and Ciskei. The dataset does not include a data file for the Transkei.

Analysis unit

The units of analysis under observation in the South African census 1991 are households and individuals

Universe

The 1991 Population Census was enumerated on a de facto basis, that is, according to the place where persons were located during the census. All persons who were present on Republic of South African territory during census night (i.e. at midnight between 7 and 8 March 1991) were therefore enumerated and included in the data. Visitors from abroad who were present in the RSA on holiday or business on the night of the census, as well as foreigners (and their families) who were studying or economically active, were enumerated and included in the figures. The Diplomatic and Consular Corps of foreign countries were not included. Crews and passengers of ships were also not enumerated, except those who were present at the harbours of the RSA on census night. Similarly, residents of the RSA who were absent from the night were not enumerated. Personnel of the South African Government stationed abroad and their families were, however enumerated. Such persons were included in the Transvaal (Pretoria).

Kind of data

Census/enumeration data [cen]

Sampling deviation

As a result of the unplanned and unstructured nature of certain residential areas, as well as the inaccessibility of certain areas during the preparations for the enumeration of census, comprehensive door-to-door surveys were not possible. The Human Sciences Research Council had to enumerate these areas by means of sample surveys. 88 areas country-wide were enumerated on this basis.

Mode of data collection

Face-to-face [f2f]

Research instrument

The 1991 Population Census questionnaire covered particulars of households: dwelling type, ownership type, type of area (rural/urban) and particulars of individuals: relationship within household, sex, age, marital status, population group, birthplace, citizenship, duration of residency, religion, education level, language, literacy,employment status, occupation, economic sector and income.

Abstract

The population census conducted in South Africa in 1985 covered the whole of South Africa, but excluded the "Homelands" of Transkei, Bophutatswana, Ciskei, and Venda. This dataset is the full census, as opposed to the 10% sample datasets provided by Statistics South Africa from 1996 onwards.

Geographic coverage

The 1985 census covered the so-called white areas of South Africa - the provinces of the Cape, the Orange Free State, Transvaal, and Natal - and the so-called National States of KwaZulu, Kangwane, Gazankulu, Lebowa, Qwaqwa, and Kwandebele. The 1985 South African census excluded the areas of the Transkei, Bophutatswana, Ciskei, and Venda.

The 1985 Census dataset has 9 data files. These refer to Development Regions demarcated by the South African Government according to their socio-economic conditions and development needs. These Development Regions are labeled A to J (there is no Region I, presumably because Statistics SA felt an "I" could be confused with the number 1). The 9 data files in the 1985 Census dataset refer to the following areas:

DEV REGION AREA COVERED A Western Cape Province including Walvis Bay B Northern Cape C Orange Free State and Qwaqwa D Eastern Cape/Border E Natal and Kwazulu F Eastern Transvaal, KaNgwane and part of the Simdlangentsha district of Kwazulu G Northern Transvaal, Lebowa and Gazankulu H PWV area, Moutse and KwaNdebele J Western Transvaal

Analysis unit

The units of analysis under observation in the South African census 1985 are households and individuals

Universe

All persons who were present on Republic of South African territory during census night were enumerated. Visitors from abroad who were present in the RSA on holiday or business on the night of the census, as well as foreigners (and their families) who were studying or economically active, were enumerated but not included in the final data. Likewise, members of the Diplomatic and Consular Corps of foreign countries were not included. However, the South African personnel linked to the foreign missions including domestic workers were enumerated. Crews and passengers of ships were also not enumerated, unless they were normally resident in the Republic of South Africa. Residents of the RSA who were absent from the night were as far as possible enumerated on their return and included in the region where they normally resided. Personnel of the South African Government stationed abroad and their families were, however enumerated. Such persons were included in the Transvaal (Pretoria).

Kind of data

Census/enumeration data [cen]

Mode of data collection

Face-to-face [f2f]

Research instrument

The1985 population census questionnaire was administered to each household and collected information on household and area type, and information on household members, including relationship within household, sex, age, marital status, population group, birthplace, country of citizenship, level of education, occupation, identity of employer and the nature of economic activities

Data appraisal

UNDER-ENUMERATION: The following under-enumeration figures have been calculated for the 1985 census. Estimated percentage distribution of undercount by race according to the HSRC: Percent undercount
Whites 7.6%
Blacks in the “RSA” 20.4% Blacks in the “National States” 15.1% Coloureds 1.0% Asians 4.6%

The tabular and visual dataset focuses on South African basic education and provides insights into the distribution of schools and basic population statistics across the country. This tabular and visual data are stratified across different quintiles for each provincial and district boundary. The quintile system is used by the South African government to classify schools based on their level of socio-economic disadvantage, with quintile 1 being the most disadvantaged and quintile 5 being the least disadvantaged. The data was joined by extracting information from the debarment of basic education with StatsSA population census data. Thereafter, all tabular data and geo located data were transformed to maps using GIS software and the Python integrated development environment. The dataset includes information on the number of schools and students in each quintile, as well as the population density in each area. The data is displayed through a combination of charts, maps and tables, allowing for easy analysis and interpretation of the information.

Analysis unit

Persons, households, and dwellings

UNITS IDENTIFIED: - Dwellings: yes - Vacant Units: no - Households: yes - Individuals: yes - Group quarters: yes

UNIT DESCRIPTIONS: - Dwellings: Any structure intended or used for human habitation - Households: A household is a group of persons who live together and provide themselves jointly with food or other essentials for living, or a single person who lives alone. - Group quarters: Living quarters where certain facilities are shared by groups of individuals or households. They can be divided into: (a) hotels, motels, guesthouses, etc.; (b) workers' hostels and students' residences; and (c) institutions.

Universe

All persons present in the country on the night of 9-10 October, 2011

Kind of data

Population and Housing Census [hh/popcen]

Sampling procedure

MICRODATA SOURCE: Statistics South Africa

SAMPLE SIZE (person records): 4418594.

SAMPLE DESIGN: Systematic stratified sample. 1 in 10 sample of household records classified as housing units or converted households, and an independent 1 in 10 sample of persons who resided in other living quarters. Local municipalities were the primary strata and demographic characteristics of persons within the household were used a secondary strata.

Mode of data collection

Face-to-face [f2f]

Research instrument

Three separate questionnaires were used to enumerate the household population (form A), transient individuals and individuals staying in hotels on census night (form B), and the institutional population (form C).

Abstract

The 1970 South African Population Census was an enumeration of the population and housing in South Africa.The census collected data on dwellings and individuals' demographic, migration, family and employment details.

Geographic coverage

National coverage of the so-called white areas of South Africa, i.e. the areas in the former four provinces of the Cape, the Orange Free State, Transvaal, and Natal, and the so-called National States of Ciskei, KwaZulu, Gazankulu, Lebowa, Qwaqwa, Kangwane, Kwandebele, Transkei and Bophuthatswana.

Analysis unit

The units of analysis for the South African Census 1970 were households and individuals

Universe

The South African population census of 1970 covered all de jure household members (usual residents) of South Africa and the "national states".

The Census was enumerated on a de facto basis, that is, according to the place where persons were located during the census. All persons who were present on Republic of South African territory during census night were enumerated and included in the data. Visitors from abroad who were present in the RSA on holiday or business on the night of the census, as well as foreigners (and their families) who were studying or economically active, were not enumerated and included in the figures. Likewise, members of the Diplomatic and Consular Corps of foreign countries were not included. However, the South African personnel linked to the foreign missions including domestic workers were enumerated. Crews and passengers of ships were also not enumerated, unless they were normally resident in the Republic of South Africa. Residents of the RSA who were absent from the night were as far as possible enumerated on their return and included in the region where they normally resided. Personnel of the South African Government stationed abroad and their families were, however enumerated. Such persons were included in the Transvaal (Pretoria).

Kind of data

Census/enumeration data [cen]

Sampling procedure

The 1970 Census was a full count for Whites, Coloureds and Asians, and a 5% sample for Blacks (Africans)

Sampling deviation

The country was divided into 400 census districts for the 1970 Census. In most cases the boundaries of the census districts corresponded with those of the magisterial districts. However, in some cases the boundaries did not correspond, particularly in the areas in and around the "National States". This was to facilitate the administration of the census and to make it easier to exclude figures of the "National states" from provincial totals.

Mode of data collection

Face-to-face [f2f]

Research instrument

The 1970 Population Census of the Republic of South Africa questionnaires were: Form 01, to be completed by "Whites, Coloured and Asiatics" Form 02, to be completed by "Bantu" Form 03, for families, households and dwellings

Form 01 collected data on relationship to household head, population group, sex, age, marital status, place of birth, and citizenship, as well as usual place of residence, home language, religion, level of education and income. Employment data collected included occupation, employment status and industry type.

Form 02 collected data for African South Africans on relationship to household head, sex, age, marital status, fertility, place of birth, home language and literacy, religion and level of education. Employment data collected included occupation, employment status and industry type.

Form 03 collected household data, including data on dwelling type, building material of dwelling walls, number of rooms and age of the dwelling. Data on home ownership. Data was also collected on the number and sex of household members and their relationship to the household head. Data on household heads included their population group, age and marital status. Income data was also collected, for husbands and wives. Data on home ownership, household size and domestic workers was also collected, but for Urban households only.

IPUMS-International is an effort to inventory, preserve, harmonize, and disseminate census microdata from around the world. The project has collected the world's largest archive of publicly available census samples. The data are coded and documented consistently across countries and over time to facillitate comparative research. IPUMS-International makes these data available to qualified researchers free of charge through a web dissemination system. The IPUMS project is a collaboration of the Minnesota Population Center, National Statistical Offices, and international data archives. Major funding is provided by the U.S. National Science Foundation and the Demographic and Behavioral Sciences Branch of the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. Additional support is provided by the University of Minnesota Office of the Vice President for Research, the Minnesota Population Center, and Sun Microsystems.

South Africa ZA: Birth Rate: Crude: per 1000 People data was reported at 20.981 Ratio in 2016. This records a decrease from the previous number of 21.297 Ratio for 2015. South Africa ZA: Birth Rate: Crude: per 1000 People data is updated yearly, averaging 30.616 Ratio from Dec 1960 (Median) to 2016, with 57 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 40.222 Ratio in 1960 and a record low of 20.981 Ratio in 2016. South Africa ZA: Birth Rate: Crude: per 1000 People data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s South Africa – Table ZA.World Bank: Population and Urbanization Statistics. Crude birth rate indicates the number of live births occurring during the year, per 1,000 population estimated at midyear. Subtracting the crude death rate from the crude birth rate provides the rate of natural increase, which is equal to the rate of population change in the absence of migration.; ; (1) United Nations Population Division. World Population Prospects: 2017 Revision. (2) Census reports and other statistical publications from national statistical offices, (3) Eurostat: Demographic Statistics, (4) United Nations Statistical Division. Population and Vital Statistics Reprot (various years), (5) U.S. Census Bureau: International Database, and (6) Secretariat of the Pacific Community: Statistics and Demography Programme.; Weighted average;

National spatial dataset of census

Abstract

This dataset includes imputation for missing data in key variables in the ten percent sample of the 2001 South African Census. Researchers at the Centre for the Analysis of South African Social Policy (CASASP) at the University of Oxford used sequential multiple regression techniques to impute income, education, age, gender, population group, occupation and employment status in the dataset. The main focus of the work was to impute income where it was missing or recorded as zero. The imputed results are similar to previous imputation work on the 2001 South African Census, including the single ‘hot-deck’ imputation carried out by Statistics South Africa.

Kind of data

Sample survey data [ssd]

Mode of data collection

Face-to-face [f2f]

Census data including transportation, demographic, economic, migration information. Also includes metadata such as a PDF guide to the spatial metadata, a data dictionary, and census questionnaires in a variety of languages.

Projection for this data Albers Equal Area.

As of 2023, South Africa's population increased and counted approximately 62.3 million inhabitants in total, of which the majority inhabited Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, and the Western-Eastern Cape. Gauteng (includes Johannesburg) is the smallest province in South Africa, though highly urbanized with a population of over 16 million people according to the estimates. Cape Town, on the other hand, is the largest city in South Africa with nearly 3.43 million inhabitants in the same year, whereas Durban counted 3.12 million citizens. However, looking at cities including municipalities, Johannesburg ranks first. High rate of young population South Africa has a substantial population of young people. In 2024, approximately 34.3 percent of the people were aged 19 years or younger. Those aged 60 or older, on the other hand, made-up over 10 percent of the total population. Distributing South African citizens by marital status, approximately half of the males and females were classified as single in 2021. Furthermore, 29.1 percent of the men were registered as married, whereas nearly 27 percent of the women walked down the aisle. Youth unemployment Youth unemployment fluctuated heavily between 2003 and 2022. In 2003, the unemployment rate stood at 36 percent, followed by a significant increase to 45.5 percent in 2010. However, it fluctuated again and as of 2022, over 51 percent of the youth were registered as unemployed. Furthermore, based on a survey conducted on the worries of South Africans, some 64 percent reported being worried about employment and the job market situation.

The total population in South Africa was estimated at 63.0 million people in 2024, according to the latest census figures and projections from Trading Economics. This dataset provides - South Africa Population - actual values, historical data, forecast, chart, statistics, economic calendar and news.

ABSTRACT: The 1970 South African Population Census was enumerated on a de facto basis, that is, according to the place where persons were located during the census. All persons who were present on Republic of South African territory during census night were enumerated and included in the data. Visitors from abroad who were present in the RSA on holiday or business on the night of the census, as well as foreigners (and their families) who were studying or economically active, were not enumerated and included in the figures. Likewise, members of the Diplomatic and Consular Corps of foreign countries were not included. However, the South African personnel linked to the foreign missions including domestic workers were enumerated. Crews and passengers of ships were also not enumerated, unless they were normally resident in the Republic of South Africa. Residents of the RSA who were absent from the night were as far as possible enumerated on their return and included in the region where they normally resided. Personnel of the South African Government stationed abroad and their families were, however enumerated. Such persons were included in the Transvaal (Pretoria). Variables include: Particulars of dwellings- type of dwelling, number of rooms, and ownership; Particulars of person- relationship within household, sex, age, marital status, population group, birthplace, country of citizenship, duration of residence at normal dwelling, religion/denomination, languages and literacy, level of education, sport and recreation, occupation, work status, identity of employer, economic sector and income; Particulars of the family including children at boarding school, university or undergoing military training.

South Africa ZA: Population: Total data was reported at 56,717,156.000 Person in 2017. This records an increase from the previous number of 56,015,473.000 Person for 2016. South Africa ZA: Population: Total data is updated yearly, averaging 36,355,710.000 Person from Dec 1960 (Median) to 2017, with 58 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 56,717,156.000 Person in 2017 and a record low of 17,456,855.000 Person in 1960. South Africa ZA: Population: Total data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s South Africa – Table ZA.World Bank.WDI: Population and Urbanization Statistics. Total population is based on the de facto definition of population, which counts all residents regardless of legal status or citizenship. The values shown are midyear estimates.; ; (1) United Nations Population Division. World Population Prospects: 2017 Revision. (2) Census reports and other statistical publications from national statistical offices, (3) Eurostat: Demographic Statistics, (4) United Nations Statistical Division. Population and Vital Statistics Reprot (various years), (5) U.S. Census Bureau: International Database, and (6) Secretariat of the Pacific Community: Statistics and Demography Programme.; Sum; Relevance to gender indicator: disaggregating the population composition by gender will help a country in projecting its demand for social services on a gender basis.