Why fewer South Africans are having children

SOUTH Africa’s population is estimated to have reached 63.1 million in 2025, but behind the growing number lies a sharp and sustained decline in fertility rates; a trend that has sparked urgent questions about the nation’s socioeconomic trajectory.

- XOLILE MTEMBU

According to the latest Mid-Year Population Estimates released by Statistics South Africa (Stats SA): “South Africa’s fertility rate has steadily declined over the years, from an average of 2.78 children per woman in 2008 to 2.21 in 2025”

The report attributes this downward trend to a range of indicators.

“A noticeable dip in births around 2016 aligns with official birth registration records. More recent data shows that births have been dropping since 2020,” said the service.