As the election results from the 29th approach, I find myself reflecting on the current state of South African households. This election, a cornerstone of our democracy, reminds me of the incredible journey our nation has undertaken over the past three decades. Let’s take a look at the transformative changes and ongoing challenges within South African households in 2023.
The State of South African Households in 2023
In 2024, South Africa celebrates thirty years since the dawn of democracy, a milestone that underscores our ongoing pursuit of equality, freedom, and justice. This anniversary marks significant transformations within our households, offering a profound glimpse into our nation’s progress.
Household Composition and Diversity
The 2023 General Household Survey by Statistics South Africa provides an insightful snapshot. On average, a typical South African household comprises 3.2 members, with 26.5% of households being single-member dwellings. Interestingly, 87% of households consist of four to five members or fewer, and only 13% have six members or more. This diversity highlights the varying dynamics within South African families.
Improvements in Housing
In housing, the shift towards formal dwellings is notable. Since 2002, the proportion of households in informal settlements has marginally decreased from 13.0% to 12.2%. Conversely, more than 83.5% of households now reside in formal dwellings, up from 73.5% in 2002. This trend signifies meaningful strides in improving housing conditions.
Access to Clean Drinking Water
Access to clean drinking water has also seen significant enhancements. Between 2002 and 2023, households with access to piped or tap water increased to 87.0%, with those having piped water within their dwellings rising from 40.4% to 45.2%. Moreover, access to municipal water grew from 78.4% in 2004 to 80.4% in 2023, benefiting an additional six million households.
Sanitation Facilities
Sanitation facilities have markedly improved. By 2023, 83.3% of households had upgraded sanitation facilities, including flush toilets and ventilated pit toilets, up from 61.7% in 2002. Usage of flush toilets reached 66.0%, and ventilated pit toilets increased to 17.3%, with notable progress in the Eastern Cape, Limpopo, and KwaZulu-Natal provinces. Pit latrines without ventilation pipes decreased by 15.5 percentage points to 10% in 2023, reflecting substantial improvements in sanitation infrastructure.
Electricity Access
Electricity access has also advanced significantly. From 2002 to 2023, access to mains electricity increased from 76.7% to 89.8%. For households in formal dwellings, this access rose from 86.4% to 94.6%, and for those in informal dwellings, it increased from 52.3% to 58.3%. This enhanced access has transformed daily life, with 76.9% of households using electricity as their primary cooking energy source, up from 57.5%.
Alternative Energy Sources
However, load shedding has driven many households to explore alternative energy sources. Nationally, 29.0% of households utilised LPG/Gas, and 23.1% relied on open fires fueled by materials such as wood, coal, and charcoal. This shift is evident in the rise of households owning gas stoves and plates from 19% in 2022 to 30.1% in 2023.
Reflecting on Progress and Inequality
Access to adequate shelter and essential services like water, sanitation, and electricity are crucial indicators of household well-being. While there have been significant improvements, ongoing inequalities highlight the need for sustained efforts to bridge infrastructure gaps and promote inclusive development.