Demographic Changes in South Africa, 1996-2007

Little is known about the demography of South
Africa. This is due to pre-1994 government policies
and consequent isolation of the country. With the
advert of first democratic elections in 1994, this
situation is changing and more studies are being
conducted to examine various aspects of the
demography of South Africa.

Using the 1996 and 2001 South African population
censuses, the paper presents the salient features of
the population of South Africa. In particular, this
paper critically examines the 1996 and 2001 censuses
to bring out major demographic characteristics of
the population of South Africa. The paper concludes
that fertility has remained more or less constant
during the period under review, mortality has
worsened as a result of HIV/AIDS epidemic and
migration between and within regions has increased
as a result of easing of the restrictions imposed by
pre-1994 government.

The finding of the study has some policy
implications. There is need to develop intellectual
capacity for studying the demography of South
Africa.

Autorentext

Martin Enock Palamuleni holds a BSc from the University of
Malawi and a MSc and PhD in Demography from University of
London, London School of Economics and Political Science. He has
taught demography at the University of Malawi and is currently
teaching at North West University Mafikeng Campus in South
Africa.

Klappentext

Little is known about the demography of South
Africa. This is due to pre-1994 government policies
and consequent isolation of the country. With the
advert of first democratic elections in 1994, this
situation is changing and more studies are being
conducted to examine various aspects of the
demography of South Africa.

Using the 1996 and 2001 South African population
censuses, the paper presents the salient features of
the population of South Africa. In particular, this
paper critically examines the 1996 and 2001 censuses
to bring out major demographic characteristics of
the population of South Africa. The paper concludes
that fertility has remained more or less constant
during the period under review, mortality has
worsened as a result of HIV/AIDS epidemic and
migration between and within regions has increased
as a result of easing of the restrictions imposed by
pre-1994 government.

The finding of the study has some policy
implications. There is need to develop intellectual
capacity for studying the demography of South
Africa.