As of 2022, South Africa's population increased and counted approximately 60.6 million inhabitants in total, of which the majority (roughly 49.1 million) were Black Africans. Individuals with an Indian or Asian background formed the smallest population group, counting approximately 1.56 million people overall. Looking at the population from a regional perspective, Gauteng (includes Johannesburg) is the smallest province of South Africa, though highly urbanized with a population of nearly 16 million people.

Increase in number of households

The total number of households increased annually between 2002 and 2022. Between this period, the number of households in South Africa grew by approximately 65 percent. Furthermore, households comprising two to three members were more common in urban areas (39.2 percent) than they were in rural areas (30.6 percent). Households with six or more people, on the other hand, amounted to 19.3 percent in rural areas, being roughly twice as common as those in urban areas.

Main sources of income

The majority of the households in South Africa had salaries or grants as a main source of income in 2019. Roughly 10.7 million drew their income from regular wages, whereas 7.9 million households received social grants paid by the government for citizens in need of state support.

South Africa Population: 15 to 64 Years: White data was reported at 2,978.591 Person th in Sep 2018. This records a decrease from the previous number of 2,987.055 Person th for Jun 2018. South Africa Population: 15 to 64 Years: White data is updated quarterly, averaging 3,143.298 Person th from Mar 2008 (Median) to Sep 2018, with 43 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 3,277.317 Person th in Mar 2008 and a record low of 2,978.591 Person th in Sep 2018. South Africa Population: 15 to 64 Years: White data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Statistics South Africa. The data is categorized under Global Database’s South Africa – Table ZA.G001: Population.

In 1800, the population of modern day area of South Africa was approximately 1.44 million. Like most of the continent, the population of South Africa increased gradually through most of the 19th century, reaching 4.71 million by the start of the 20th century. Beginning in the 20th century however, the population would begin to rise exponentially as industrialization, advances in medicine and health, and the spread of vaccinations allowed for lower child mortality rates and increased life expectancy among adults. The population of South Africa would continue to rise exponentially for almost a century, going from just under 5 million at the start of the 1900s to almost 45 million by 2000. However, since the early 2000s, South Africa’s population growth has slowed, the result of a significant decrease in fertility rates in the country in recent years. In 2020, South Africa is estimated to have a population of 59.31 million.

As of 2024, South Africa's population increased, counting approximately 63 million inhabitants. Of these, roughly 27.5 million were aged 0-24, while 654,000 people were 80 years or older. Gauteng and Cape Town are the most populated South Africa’s yearly population growth has been fluctuating since 2013, with the growth rate dropping below the world average in 2024. The majority of people lived in the borders of Gauteng, the smallest of the nine provinces in terms of land area. The number of people residing there amounted to 16.6 million in 2023. Although the Western Cape was the third-largest province, the city of Cape Town had the highest number of inhabitants in the country, at 3.4 million. An underemployed younger population South Africa has a large population under 14, who will be looking for job opportunities in the future. However, the country's labor market has had difficulty integrating these youngsters. Specifically, as of the fourth quarter of 2024, the unemployment rate reached close to 60 percent and 384 percent among people aged 15-24 and 25–34 years, respectively. In the same period, some 27 percent of the individuals between 15 and 24 years were economically active, while the labor force participation rate was higher among people aged 25 to 34, at 74.3 percent.

Abstract

The 1970 South African Population 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.

South Africa Population: Mid Year: White: Male: 70 to 74 Years data was reported at 105,238.000 Person in 2018. This records an increase from the previous number of 95,344.570 Person for 2017. South Africa Population: Mid Year: White: Male: 70 to 74 Years data is updated yearly, averaging 78,333.668 Person from Jun 2001 (Median) to 2018, with 18 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 105,238.000 Person in 2018 and a record low of 55,969.000 Person in 2001. South Africa Population: Mid Year: White: Male: 70 to 74 Years data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Statistics South Africa. The data is categorized under Global Database’s South Africa – Table ZA.G003: Population: Mid Year: by Group, Age and Sex.

The world's population first reached one billion people in 1805, and reached eight billion in 2022, and will peak at almost 10.2 billion by the end of the century. Although it took thousands of years to reach one billion people, it did so at the beginning of a phenomenon known as the demographic transition; from this point onwards, population growth has skyrocketed, and since the 1960s the population has increased by one billion people every 12 to 15 years. The demographic transition sees a sharp drop in mortality due to factors such as vaccination, sanitation, and improved food supply; the population boom that follows is due to increased survival rates among children and higher life expectancy among the general population; and fertility then drops in response to this population growth. Regional differences The demographic transition is a global phenomenon, but it has taken place at different times across the world. The industrialized countries of Europe and North America were the first to go through this process, followed by some states in the Western Pacific. Latin America's population then began growing at the turn of the 20th century, but the most significant period of global population growth occurred as Asia progressed in the late-1900s. As of the early 21st century, almost two-thirds of the world's population lives in Asia, although this is set to change significantly in the coming decades. Future growth The growth of Africa's population, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa, will have the largest impact on global demographics in this century. From 2000 to 2100, it is expected that Africa's population will have increased by a factor of almost five. It overtook Europe in size in the late 1990s, and overtook the Americas a few years later. In contrast to Africa, Europe's population is now in decline, as birth rates are consistently below death rates in many countries, especially in the south and east, resulting in natural population decline. Similarly, the population of the Americas and Asia are expected to go into decline in the second half of this century, and only Oceania's population will still be growing alongside Africa. By 2100, the world's population will have over three billion more than today, with the vast majority of this concentrated in Africa. Demographers predict that climate change is exacerbating many of the challenges that currently hinder progress in Africa, such as political and food instability; if Africa's transition is prolonged, then it may result in further population growth that would place a strain on the region's resources, however, curbing this growth earlier would alleviate some of the pressure created by climate change.

South Africa Population: Mid Year: White: 60 to 64 Years data was reported at 288,993.000 Person in 2018. This records an increase from the previous number of 282,310.176 Person for 2017. South Africa Population: Mid Year: White: 60 to 64 Years data is updated yearly, averaging 273,755.401 Person from Jun 2001 (Median) to 2018, with 18 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 288,993.000 Person in 2018 and a record low of 234,193.297 Person in 2002. South Africa Population: Mid Year: White: 60 to 64 Years data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Statistics South Africa. The data is categorized under Global Database’s South Africa – Table ZA.G003: Population: Mid Year: by Group, Age and Sex.

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%

South Africa is the sixth African country with the largest population, counting approximately 60.5 million individuals as of 2021. In 2023, the largest city in South Africa was Cape Town. The capital of Western Cape counted 3.4 million inhabitants, whereas South Africa's second largest city was Durban (eThekwini Municipality), with 3.1 million inhabitants. Note that when observing the number of inhabitants by municipality, Johannesburg is counted as largest city/municipality of South Africa.

From four provinces to nine provinces

Before Nelson Mandela became president in 1994, the country had four provinces, Cape of Good Hope, Natal, Orange Free State, and Transvaal and 10 “homelands” (also called Bantustans). The four larger regions were for the white population while the homelands for its black population. This system was dismantled following the new constitution of South Africa in 1996 and reorganized into nine provinces. Currently, Gauteng is the most populated province with around 15.9 million people residing there, followed by KwaZulu-Natal with 11.68 million inhabiting the province. As of 2022, Black African individuals were almost 81 percent of the total population in the country, while colored citizens followed amounting to around 5.34 million.

A diverse population

Although the majority of South Africans are identified as Black, the country’s population is far from homogenous, with different ethnic groups usually residing in the different “homelands”. This can be recognizable through the various languages used to communicate between the household members and externally. IsiZulu was the most common language of the nation with around a quarter of the population using it in- and outside of households. IsiXhosa and Afrikaans ranked second and third with roughly 15 percent and 12 percent, respectively.

This statistic shows the total population of South Africa from 2013 to 2023 by gender. In 2023, South Africa's female population amounted to approximately 32.46 million, while the male population amounted to approximately 30.75 million inhabitants.

In the second quarter of 2024, the unemployment rate among Black South Africans was 36.9 percent, marking a year-on-year change of 0.8 percent compared to the second quarter of 2023. On the other hand, the unemployment rate among white South Africans was 7.9 percent in the second quarter of 2024, with a 0.5 percent year-on-year change. Unemployment prevalent among youth and women The unemployment rate is the share of the labor force population that is unemployed, while the labor force includes individuals who are employed as well as those who are unemployed but looking for work. South Africa is struggling to absorb its youth into the job market. For instance, the unemployment rate among young South Africans aged 15-24 years reached a staggering 60.7 percent in the second quarter of 2023. Furthermore, women had higher unemployment rates than men. Since the start of 2016, the unemployment rate of women has been consistently more than that of men, reaching close to 36 percent compared to 30 percent, respectively. A new minimum wage and most paying jobs      In South Africa, a new minimum hourly wage went into effect on March 1, 2022. The minimum salary reached 23.19 South African rand per hour (1.44 U.S. dollars per hour), up from 21.69 South African rand per hour (1.35 U.S. dollars per hour) in 2021. In addition, the preponderance of employed South Africans worked between 40 and 45 hours weekly in 2021. Individuals holding Executive Management and Change Management jobs were the highest paid in the country, with salaries averaging 74,000 U.S. dollars per year.

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)

South Africa Population: Mid Year: White: 20 to 24 Years data was reported at 255,423.000 Person in 2018. This records a decrease from the previous number of 266,305.496 Person for 2017. South Africa Population: Mid Year: White: 20 to 24 Years data is updated yearly, averaging 331,910.775 Person from Jun 2001 (Median) to 2018, with 18 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 355,324.808 Person in 2005 and a record low of 255,423.000 Person in 2018. South Africa Population: Mid Year: White: 20 to 24 Years data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Statistics South Africa. The data is categorized under Global Database’s South Africa – Table ZA.G003: Population: Mid Year: by Group, Age and Sex.

In 2022, the percentage distribution of immigrants in South Africa was highest among the Black/African population group, with around 82 percent. White migrants followed, with a share of about 10 percent. Since 2001, the portion of Black/African immigrants in the country has made notable increases, whereas the remaining population groups have mostly experienced decreases.

South Africa Population: Mid Year: White: 5 to 9 Years data was reported at 250,792.000 Person in 2018. This records a decrease from the previous number of 256,119.661 Person for 2017. South Africa Population: Mid Year: White: 5 to 9 Years data is updated yearly, averaging 261,480.156 Person from Jun 2001 (Median) to 2018, with 18 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 323,307.000 Person in 2001 and a record low of 247,604.217 Person in 2010. South Africa Population: Mid Year: White: 5 to 9 Years data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Statistics South Africa. The data is categorized under Global Database’s South Africa – Table ZA.G003: Population: Mid Year: by Group, Age and Sex.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between truth acceptance and reconciliation among South Africans during and since the political transition from Apartheid to democracy. The study investigated the extent to which South Africans participated in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the degree to which they were "reconciled." The Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) was based on the Promotion of National Unity and Reconciliation Act of 1995. The TRC investigated past gross human rights violations and granted amnesty to individuals in exchange for full and public disclosure of information related to these crimes. The hypothesis that truth acceptance leads to reconciliation was tested in this research. Data were collected through a systematic survey of South Africans. Nearly all relevant segments of the South African population were included in the sample, as well as representative subsamples of at least 250 respondents of most major racial/ethnic/linguistic groups.

Questions about the TRC investigated respondent awareness, knowledge, and approval of the activities of the TRC. Respondents were asked for their opinions on the effectiveness of the TRC in its efforts to provide a true and unbiased account of South Africa's history and in awarding compensation to those who suffered abuses under the Apartheid regime. Other questions included those eliciting respondents views on the importance of revealing the truth about the past and achieving racial reconciliation.

Geographic coverage

The Survey of Truth and Reconciliation in South Africa, 2000-2001 had national coverage.

Analysis unit

Individuals

Universe

The universe under investigation included all South Africans aged 18+.

Kind of data

Sample survey data

Sampling procedure

The area probability sample included a primary sample of South Africans of all races and a boost sample of white South Africans. Representative subsamples of at least 250 respondents of most major racial, ethnic, and linguistic groups were also included.

The sampling was divided into two parts – a primary sample, including South Africans of all races, and a boost sample of white South Africans. In the main sample, 3,139 interviews were completed. The Boost Sample was composed only of white South Africans, with a control for language (English versus Afrikaans). A total of 588 additional whites was interviewed.

Mode of data collection

Face-to-face [f2f]

Research instrument

The questionnaire for the Survey of Truth and Reconciliation in South Africa, 2000-2001 includes individual characteristics, respondent awareness, knowledge, and approval of the activities of the TRC, how important it was for respondents to find out the truth about the past and achieve racial reconciliation.

Response rate

The overall response rate for the survey was approximately 87 percent (after treating “break-offs” as unsuccessful interviews). The main reason for failing to complete the interview was inability to contact the respondent; refusal to be interviewed accounted for approximately 27 percent of the failed interviews. From the response rate alone, the representativeness of the sample seems assured. Such a high rate of response can be attributed to the general willingness of the South African population to be interviewed, the large number of call-backs we employed, and the use of an incentive for participating in the interview (the incentive was a magnetic torch (flashlight), with which the respondents were quite pleased).

In 2021, a survey was conducted in South Africa about the distribution of instant messaging application among different population groups. It found that Black users made up a majority on TikTok. They had a share of over ** percent. In 2022, Black South Africans were the largest population group in the country, followed by the colored and white populations.

South Africa Population: Mid Year: White: Female: 15 to 19 Years data was reported at 119,241.000 Person in 2018. This records a decrease from the previous number of 123,069.123 Person for 2017. South Africa Population: Mid Year: White: Female: 15 to 19 Years data is updated yearly, averaging 151,135.577 Person from Jun 2001 (Median) to 2018, with 18 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 182,276.466 Person in 2002 and a record low of 119,241.000 Person in 2018. South Africa Population: Mid Year: White: Female: 15 to 19 Years data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Statistics South Africa. The data is categorized under Global Database’s South Africa – Table ZA.G003: Population: Mid Year: by Group, Age and Sex.

In 2021, a survey was conducted in South Africa about the distribution of instant messaging applications among different population groups. It found that Instagram was predominately used by Black people. They made up a share of approximately ** percent. In 2022, Black South Africans were the largest population group in the country, followed by the colored and white populations.