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The latest Census results show that the South African population grew to 62 million in 2022. Gauteng remained the province with the highest population (15 million), while Northern Cape has the smallest population at 1,3 million. The Western Cape has moved from being the 5th-largest province in terms of population size in 1996 to being the 3rd– largest in 2022.

The President of South Africa, Mr Cyril Ramaphosa, accepted the census results from the Statistician-General, Mr Risenga Maluleke, in a ceremony held at the Union Buildings on 10 October 2023.

Census 2022 was the fourth census since the advent of democracy, with the other three being conducted in 1996, 2001 and 2011. This was the first-ever digital census in South Africa, conducted using the three collection modes; Face-to-face (CAPI), Telephonic (CATI) and Online (CAWI).

Census 2022 data collection started on census reference night, 02 February 2022, and ended in May 2022, with provinces finishing at different times. Censuses in South Africa were traditionally conducted in October but, due to the global COVID-19 pandemic, the census had to be postponed to February 2022. Census 2022 was affected by unprecedented challenges, including riots, ongoing COVID-19 lockdowns and climate change issues such as flooding in some parts of the country.

Census data will be disseminated in phases. Phase 1, which launched on 10 October 2023, will give users access to a range of indicators at national, provincial and municipal level. Phase 2 will include electronic products such as the Community Profiles and more in-depth reports on particular themes.

To access the Census 2022 products, click here (add link to census web portal).

To view the full Census 2022 Statistical Release document, click here