Gauteng is the most populated province in South Africa, with about 15.93 million people, making up 25.3% of the country’s population. This large population helps drive the economy, attracting businesses and investments. KwaZulu-Natal follows with 12.31 million people, while the Northern Cape has the smallest population at 1.37 million.
About 27.50% of South Africans are under 15 years old, meaning there are many young people who need good education and job opportunities in the future. Provinces like Limpopo and the Eastern Cape have the most children, so they need special focus on schools and healthcare to ensure these young people can contribute positively to the economy.
At the same time, 9.7% of the population is 60 years or older, and this number is growing. This means South Africa needs to invest more in healthcare and support services for older people to ensure they are well taken care of, which is crucial for a balanced and healthy society.