South Africa is having less babies in 2025, according to the latest data from Stats SA. In fact the country’s fertility rate has dropped from 2.78 children per woman in 2008, to 2.21 in 2025. This demographic transition represents a 20% decline and is unique among developing and African nations.
However, there are also benefits to the news that South Africa is having less babies in 2025. Firstly, it’s brought us much closer to the replacement fertility rate of 2.1, which signifies a stable population (not declining). Secondly, lower birth rates enable women to pursue higher education, careers and create more economic opportunities.
SOUTH AFRICA IS HAVING LESS BABIES IN 2025
Better still, as The South African reported previously, life expectancy in the country is improving as a result. Even if the white population continues to decline due to emigration. Nevertheless, this moderating trend isn’t universal across the entire country.
South Africa is having less babies in urban areas, due to a decline in marriage, the desire for smaller families and improved contraceptives, says the Stats SA report. As such, Gauteng and the Western Cape indicate lower rates of fertility across the board. However, rural provinces of Limpopo and Eastern Cape continue to exhibit higher total fertility rates.
AGEING POPULATION RELIANT ON GRANTS
However, if South Africa is having less babies, this could represent a significant shift in demographics. A fertility rate approaching replacement level may eventually strain the social pension system within two decades. As the working-age population shrinks, labour shortages become likely, further slowing economic growth. And creating more dependence on the SASSA system.
Check out South Africa’s Total Fertility Rate (TFR) within the global context:
- China: 1.2
- Japan: 1.3
- United States: 1.7
- Tunisia: 2.1 (lowest in Africa)
- South Africa: 2.21
- Morocco: 2.3
- Algeria: 2.8
- Egypt: 3.2
- Kenya: 3.3
- Ghana: 3.8
- Nigeria: 5.1
- Angola: 5.8
- Niger: 6.7 (highest in Africa and globally)
South Africa indeed has one of the lowest fertility rates among emerging economies. This places us in a unique demographic position, more closely resembling developed nations than our continental peers. Let’s hope our economic growth begins to reflect that soon, too.
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