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South Africa's people

• People
• Languages
• Religion

People

According to Statistics South Africa’s (Stats SA) Mid-Year Population Estimates, 2011, there were 50 586 757 people in South Africa in July 2011. The South African population consists of the following groups: the Nguni (comprising the Zulu, Xhosa, Ndebele and Swazi people); Sotho-Tswana, who include the Southern, Northern and Western Sotho (Tswana people); Tsonga; Venda; Afrikaners; English; coloureds; Indians; and those who have immigrated to South Africa from the rest of Africa, Europe and Asia and who maintain a strong cultural identity. A few members of the Khoi and the San also live in South Africa.

Estimates by population group and gender

Source: Mid-Year Population Estimates, 2011

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Languages

According to the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996, everyone has the right to use the language and to participate in the cultural life of their choice, but no one may do so in a manner that is inconsistent with any provision of the Bill of Rights. Each person also has the right to instruction in his or her language of choice where this is reasonably practicable.

Official languages

The diversity of the unique cultures of South Africa means that there are 11 official languages.

These are English, Afrikaans, isiXhosa, isiZulu, isiNdebele, Sesotho sa Leboa, Sesotho, Setswana, siSwati, Tshivenda and Xitsonga. The Constitution also requires the Pan South African Language Board (PANSALB) to promote the use of the Khoi, Nama and San languages, and Sign Language.

Although English is the mother tongue of only 8,2% of the population, it is the language most widely understood, and the second language of the majority of South Africans. However, government is committed to promoting all official languages.

Mother tongues

Source: Census 2001

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Religion

According to the Constitution, everyone has the right to freedom of conscience, religion, thought, belief and opinion.

Almost 80% of South Africa’s population follows the Christian faith. Other major religious groups are the Hindus, Muslims, Jews and Buddhists. A minority of South Africa’s population do not belong to any of the major religions, but regard themselves as traditionalists of no specific religious affiliation.

Christian churches

There are various Christian churches throughout the country. There are many official and unofficial ecumenical relations between the various churches. One of the most important of these links is the South African Council of Churches (SACC), although it is not representative of all churches.

The major African indigenous churches, most of the Afrikaans churches, and the Pentecostal and charismatic churches are, as a rule, not members of the SACC, and usually have their own coordinating liaison bodies.

African independent churches (AICs)

The largest grouping of Christian churches is the African independent churches (AICs), represented by the Zionist or Apostolic churches. The Pentecostal movement also has its independent offshoots in this group.

There are 4 000 or more independent churches, with a combined membership of more than 10 million. Most are regarded as Zionist or Apostolic churches. The Zion Christian Church is the largest of these churches in South Africa and the largest church overall, with over four million members.

Religious affiliation

Source: Census 2001

Source: Pocket Guide to South Africa 2010/11
Editor: D Burger. Government Communication and Information System

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Last modified: 12 January 2012 11:20:13.