Report by Statistics South Africa’s Midyear Population shows an increase of nearly one million people from last year in South Africa, making the country’s population now to stands at nearly 57 million in first half of 2017.
According to the report, approximately 51 percent of the population is made up of females; while Life expectancy is estimated at about 61 for males and 66 years for females
Life expectancy for people living with HIV has improved, the report added.
Gauteng comprises the largest number of people, followed by KwaZulu-Natal.
The Northern Cape remains the province with the smallest share of the population.
In terms of work opportunities, Gauteng remains the most preferred destination for both international and inter-provincial migrants.
The numbers also show that people in the Western Cape live for longer.
“Gauteng comprises the largest share of the South African population with approximately 14,3 million people (25,3%) that live in this province. KwaZulu-Natal is the province with the second largest population, with 11, 1 million people (19,6%) living in this province.
“With a population of approximately 1, 21 million people (2, 1%) Northern Cape remains the province with the smallest share of the South African population.
“Approximately fifty-one per cent (approximately 28, 9 million) of the population is female.
“About 29, 6% of the population is aged younger than 15 years and approximately 8, 1% (4, 60 million) is 60 years or older. Similar proportions of those younger than 15 years live in Gauteng (21, 0) and KwaZulu-Natal (21,1%).
“Of those elderly aged 60 years and older, the highest percentage 23, 9% (1, 10 million) reside in Gauteng. The proportion of elderly persons aged 60 and older is increasing over time.
“Migration is an important demographic process in shaping the age structure and distribution of the provincial population. For the period 2016-2021 it is estimated that Gauteng and Western Cape are estimated to experience the largest inflow of migrants of approximately 1 595 106 and 485 560 respectively (see migration stream tables for net migration).
“Life expectancy at birth for 2017 is estimated at 61,2 years for males and 66,7 years for females. The infant mortality rate for 2017 is estimated at 32,8 per 1 000 live births.
“The estimated overall HIV prevalence rate is approximately 12, 6% among the South African population. The total number of people living with HIV is estimated at approximately 7, 06 million in 2017. For adults aged 15-49 years, an estimated 18, 0% of the population is HIV positive,” the report noted.
