The ongoing Covid-19 pandemic has had an impact on the life expectancy of South Africans.
According to the latest mid-year population estimates from Stats SA, the average life expectancy in South Africa was 62 years, compared to over 65 in 2020. This decline in life expectancy was due to the large number of deaths as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Officially over 67 000 South Africans have died as a result of contracting the virus, although the true death toll is likely significantly higher.
Between July 2020 and June 2021 nearly 700 000 South Africans are estimated to have died, compared to 500 000 people who died between July 2019 and June 2020.
South Africa’s death rate per 1 000 people was estimated at 11.5 in 2021, having risen from 8.8 in 2020. In 2002 it had been as high as 12.9, primarily as a result of the HIV/Aids pandemic.
The life expectancy of South African men dropped below 60 (from 62) while life expectancy for women fell to 64.6 (from 68).
Other key findings were that South Africa’s population was now 60.1 million. Gauteng was the most populous province, with a population of 15.8 million people. KwaZulu-Natal was second, with 11.5 million people, followed by the Western Cape at 7.1 million.
The Northern Cape was the most sparsely populated province, with 1.3 million people making it their home.