Violence against children remains one of the most pervasive yet often hidden challenges affecting societies today. Despite global policy commitments, abuse, neglect, and exploitation of children continues across homes, schools, and communities. In South Africa Child Protection Week, observed from 29 May to 5 June 2026, raises awareness about children’s rights and safety while encouraging   read more »

Multidimensional child poverty refers to children experiencing multiple and overlapping deprivations simultaneously across key aspects of well‑being, not only income. These deprivations affect their development, survival and future opportunities. A recent report by Stats SA and UNICEF, Child Poverty in South Africa: Assessing Changes in Multidimensional Poverty using the MODA Approach (2015–2023), examines trends in   read more »

According to Statistics South Africa’s Volunteer Activities Survey, 2024, an estimated 3,1 million South Africans aged 15 and older participated in volunteer work in 2024—up from 2,7 million in 2018 and 2,2 million in 2014, representing a volunteer rate of 6,9% of the adult population. Volunteer work refers to any unpaid, non‑compulsory activity that individuals   read more »

South Africa’s ageing population is increasing steadily, bringing both opportunities and challenges for ensuring that people age well. According to the Marginalised Groups Series VIII – Healthy Ageing in South Africa, 2024, released by Statistics South Africa, the number of persons aged 60 years or older in South Africa increased from 3,6 million (7,7% of   read more »

Recently, Stats SA explored the latest data on gambling and betting activity in South Africa.1 Further to this, another set of data provides a high-level financial overview of institutions tasked with regulating the industry. Stats SA’s Financial statistics of extra-budgetary accounts and funds statistical release focuses on cash flow data for 260 public institutions referred   read more »

Gambling and betting are on the rise. Not only is this supported by data from the National Gambling Board, but it has also emerged in economic and household findings from Stats SA. The great switch The industry is booming, according to the National Gambling Board of South Africa.1 Gross gambling revenue2 was R59,3 billion in the   read more »

Women make up just over half of South Africa’s population, yet their ability to fully participate in the economy remains uneven. From securing credit to owning land, accessing finance as capital to finding opportunities in formal employment, barriers continue to limit women’s financial inclusion. The impact is most pronounced among women in rural communities, low-income   read more »

Behind every statistic is a story — and South Africa’s population tells a powerful one. From shifting demographics to growing numbers, here are six revealing snapshots from the Mid-Year Population Estimates, 2025 (MYPE) report, that shows who we are right now. 1.South Africa’s Population Hits 63,1 Million in 2025 South Africa’s mid-year population is estimated   read more »

The provision of free basic services to millions of households stems from the Free Basic Services (FBS) policy adopted in 2001. The policy outlined government’s intention to provide free services to the poorest (indigent) households. Over time, the FBS has expanded to include policies for free basic water, electricity, sewerage & sanitation and solid waste   read more »

Since South Africa’s transition to democracy in 1994, the nation has prided itself on its rich cultural and ethnic diversity, earning the title of the “Rainbow Nation.” Over the years, this diversity has not remained static – language, family structures, and religious affiliations have shifted, painting a dynamic picture of societal evolution. A new report   read more »