Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) estimates the mid-year population at 63,52 million people in 2026. Approximately 50,9% (approximately 32,3 million) of the population is female. Life expectancy at birth for 2026 is estimated at 65,5 years for males and 71,0 years for females. Total life expectancy at birth in 2026 is 68,3. For the period 2021–2026, Gauteng and Western Cape are estimated to experience the largest inflow of migrants of approximately, 1 420 447 and 500 093 respectively. Gauteng still comprises the largest share of the South African population, with approximately 16,30 million people (25,7%) living in this province. KwaZulu-Natal is the province with the second largest population, with an estimated 12,28 million people (19,3%) living in this province. With a population of approximately 1,38 million people (2,2%), Northern Cape remains the province with the smallest share of the South African population. About 25,6% of the population is aged younger than 15 years (16,25 million) and approximately 10,7% (6,79 million) is 60 years or older. The provinces reflecting the highest percentage of children younger than 15 within its structure are Limpopo (31,0%) and Eastern Cape (29,6%).