Life expectancy in South Africa is increasing, despite all the economic and social challenges facing elderly residents. In fact, according to Stats SA’s latest 2025 mid-year population estimate, life expectancy in South Africa is now 12 years’ more than it was in the year 2000.
Life expectancy in South Africa for the elderly is now 64 years for men and 69 years for women. However, this is still nearly 20 years’ behind some of the longest-living nations in the world. Interestingly, women in Japan also live longer than their male counterparts, at 87 years. While the highest life expectancies in Africa (exceeding 70 years) are Mauritius and the Seychelles.
LIFE EXPECTANCY IN SOUTH AFRICA
Nevertheless, the increase in life expectancy in South Africa is an encouraging one, reports The Citizen. Government says it proves HIV prevention, SASSA social welfare grants (paid to 45% of the population) and general improvement in living conditions are all reaping dividends.
Back in 2000, the life expectancy in South Africa for men was just 52 years, while women were 57 years. As such, 2025’s figures reflect a notable improvement, especially among men. This year, life expectancy improved by 1.9 years for men and 2.2 years for women. This positive trajectory is being attributed to expanded social welfare coverage and the country’s stabilising long-term outlook.
IMPROVED CHILD MORTALITY RATE
Likewise, Stats SA lauds a major improvement in the Infant Mortality Rate (IMR). Child deaths have declined from 61.9 per 1 000 births in 2000, to just 23 in 2025. Similarly, the Under-5 Mortality Rate (U5MR) declined from 79.9 deaths per 1 000 to 26 deaths per 1 000 in the last quarter century.
As such, better maternal and childcare health services are in play. Plus, expanded immunisation and reduced HIV transmission from mother to child. Even something like the South African Social Security Agency Child Support Grant can be seen as a success. Even though parties like the Democratic Alliance (DA) want to see social welfare support extended to pregnant mothers for better prenatal care.
Finally, South Africa’s white population is the only demographic declining. This is attributed to a combination of roughly 10 000 whites emigrating annually, and COVID-19 pandemic deaths. The United Nations estimates nearly one-million white South Africans will have left the country by 2026.
WHAT DO YOU THINK OF SOUTH AFRICA’S IMPROVED LIFE EXPECTANCY?
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.
