This morning, Eastern Cape Premier Lubabalo Oscar Mabuyane welcomed the province s Census 2022 Report which depicts a 10,2% increase of the population from 6,5 million in 2011 to 7,2 million in 2022. This means that the province has grown by more than 700 000 people and contributes 11% towards the national population which stands at 62 million. According to the latest statistics, the Eastern Cape Province is the fourth most populated province in the country, moving from the third position in the previous count.
The statistics data, which is used to determine and inform policy development and service delivery planning, has been handed over by Acting Statistician-General Yandiswa Mpetsheni to Premier Mabuyane in East London today.
The black community continues to dominate the population of the province at 85.6%, followed by the colored community at 7.6%, white community at 5.6%, with Indians and Asians contributing to 0.5%.
It is important to note that 56.1% of children aged 0-4 have access to Early Childhood Development Programme and are reported to be attending Educare Centres around the province. With persons aged 5 - 24 years attending school also showing a magnificent increase by 4.8% from 72.5% to 77.3% in 2022. This shows good progress as the province is changing the narrative when it comes to education and is showing commitment to provide sustained investment in education.
There has been significant improvement in the provision of basic services, with more than 80% of households reported to have access to electricity in 2022. Government is also progressing in ensuring that majority of the communities in the province have access to clean water. The data demonstrates that 49,5% of households have access to piped water inside dwellings, while 17,6% households have piped water inside yards and 13,4% access water outside the yards.
Meanwhile 58,7% of households have flush toilets, an increase from the 43% reported in Census 2011, as well as 53,9% of households in the Eastern Cape had their refuse removed at least once a week. The report further illustrates that 51,9% of households in the Eastern Cape are headed by females.
Welcoming the report, Premier Mabuyane recommitted the Provincial Government to steering the Eastern Cape towards a path of sustainable development and inclusive growth, armed and enlightened with knowledge and a shared vision for a better future.
"As we forge ahead, the lessons from the Census 2022 data will be our guiding light, illuminating the path towards a better Eastern Cape. Our agenda is clear, to foster a society where every individual can realize their potential, devoid of the shackles of poverty, inequality, and inadequate service delivery,” Mabuyane said.
"As we dissect this data in the coming months, our government is committed to devising holistic strategies that not only respond to immediate needs but lay the groundwork for long-term sustainable growth,” Premier stated.
The Premier lauded Eastern Cape citizens for their role as the statistics show that the province has the 2nd highest number of households involved in agricultural activities. This strengthens the provinces resolve to accelerate support to agrarian initiatives including the emerging trend of urban agriculture to improve household food security,” said Premier Mabuyane.
This was the fourth population count in post-apartheid South Africa, and the first ever digitally conducted. Census 2022 took place from February to March 2022. The National statistics results were released last week to President Cyril Ramaphosa.
Eastern Cape population statistics per districts
1. OR Tambo 1,501 702
2. Nelson Mandela Bay Metro 1,1 90 496
3. Buffalo City Metro 975 255
4. Alfred Nzo 936 462
5. Amathole district 871 601
6. Chris Hani district 828 387
7. Sarah Baartman 533 253
8. Joe Gqabi 393 048
