South Africa's Population Surpasses 63 Million with Female Majority

South Africa reaches an impressive milestone as its total population has surpassed the 63 million mark, according to the latest reports covering the period from July 2023 to July 2024. The nation witnessed a significant growth of 835,513 individuals, representing a 1.33% increase in a single year.

Notably, women constitute over half of the population, with roughly 32 million females residing across the country, highlighting the slight gender imbalance that leans towards a female majority.

Provincial demographics continue to manifest disparity in terms of distribution. Gauteng, with its vibrant economy and urban centers, remains the most populous province hosting nearly 16 million people. The coastal region of KwaZulu-Natal is not far behind, with a substantial count of 12.3 million inhabitants. These two regions alone house nearly 45% of the national populace.

Contradistinctively, the sparsely populated province of Northern Cape has less than 1.4 million residents, laying bare the demographic extremes within South Africa's geographic landscape.

A heartening takeaway from the data is the substantial increase in life expectancy, which has surged from 53.6 years in 2005 to 66.5 years in 2024. This leap forward underscores the progress made in public health, medical treatments, and overall socioeconomic conditions.

The advancement against life-threatening illnesses has been a cornerstone in boosting longevity. HIV, which once exacted a devastating toll on the population, has seen diminished impact due to the widespread availability of antiretroviral therapy (ART). The nation now boasts the globe's largest ART initiative, contributing to a drastic plunge in AIDS-related mortalities.

Moreover, the assault on Covid-19 through vaccines and treatment interventions since July 2021 has resulted in a remarkable downturn in related deaths, further underlining the resilience and adaptability of the healthcare ecosystem in crisis response.

Another critical factor in this upward trend in life expectancy is the remarkable reduction in the infant mortality rate (IMR), which nosedived from 57 per 1,000 live births in 2002 to just 22.9 in 2024. Reflecting broader improvements in societal health and living standards.

Demographic indicators from the Mid-Year Population Estimates (MYPE) suggest a regime of recovery in terms of mortality and growth rates. South Africa saw the crude death rate (CDR) hitting an all-time high of 11.1 during the pinnacle of the Covid-19 crisis in 2021, but it has substantially retreated to 8.7 by 2024.

Populace growth experienced a momentary dip during the pandemic, precipitated by Covid-19 fatalities and reduced immigration. Nevertheless, it managed a rebound to 1.33% by 2024, a testament to the nation's enduring ability to overcome adversities.

Acknowledging the age composition, about 27.5% of South Africans are below the age of 15, while seniors aged 60 or more account for 9.7% of the total population, with the densest elderly populations residing in Gauteng.

Compiling meticulous population data by age, sex, and province is indispensable for steering economic policies and social programs designed to augment living conditions and fulfill the diverse needs of South Africa's growing populace.