South Africa’s white population is the only demographic in the country that continues to decline. This worrying fact was revealed in Stats SA’s latest mid-year population estimate for 2025. We’ll get into the reasons why South Africa’s white population continues to decrease shortly …
However, Stats SA’s latest report is also full of pertinent information regarding South Africa’s current population statistics. Like how we’ve breached the 63-million people mark, which represents an increase of 772 291 individuals (1.23%) in one year.
SOUTH AFRICA’S WHITE POPULATION DECLINING
As The South African reported last week, these are the most popular countries South Africa’s white population are moving to. And according to the new report, an additional 10 500 white residents will choose to leave the country for good this year, too, reports BusinessTech.
As such, emigration among white South Africans climbs from 84 308 to 94 898 in 2025. And Stats SA estimates it will crest the 100 000 mark by next year. Interestingly, it’s not only emigration that’s responsible for the decline in South Africa’s white population …
CRUDE DEATH RATE INCREASE
Notably, Stats SA’s Crude Death Rate (CDR) measures the annual rate of deaths per 1 000 people. It’s highest ever was 11.1 per 1 000 people in 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic. This exceeded even the CDR during peak HIV pandemic (in 2006). In the last few years, CDR has stabilised at 8.7. However, this year the CDR ticked up for the first time again this decade, to 8.8 deaths per 1 000 people.
All of the country’s demographic groups are growing, except South Africa’s white population. As such, South Africa’s white population is now 7.1%, a decline of 0.9% from 2024. Over the same period, the black African population increased by 0.2%, coloured 0.1% and Indian/Asian notably to 1.6%.
NET POSITIVE MIGRATION
Moreover, while white people continue to leave, a migration by black Africans is being led into South Africa. Stats SA estimates 903 697 black Africans will enter the country by 2026. Likewise, the Indian/Asian population is expected to grow by more 56 000 in the coming year, leading to a net positive migration.
Other interesting data from the mid-year population estimate reveals that 51.1% of South Africa’s population is female. Gauteng remains the most populous province with 16-million residents, followed by KwaZulu-Natal with 12.2 million. While the Northern Cape is the least populated province, home to only 1.4-million residents.
WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT THE DECLINE IN SOUTH AFRICA’S WHITE POPULATION?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1.
Subscribe to The South African website’s newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
