Blog : 30 October 2016 (The average South African)
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We take a look at the "average South African". We crunch a few numbers in order to create a profile of the average South African. How do you compare to the profile of the average South African?
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The average South African
The infographic shows the profile of the average South African.
The population data shows there there is an almost even split between males/females. We can therefore not say the average South African is male or female. This "average" South African can be seen as "unisex".
According to South Africa's mid year population estimates a quarter of South Africans live in Gauteng. Therefore the odds are pretty high that the average South African lives in Gauteng. According to the GHS and Census data roughly 7.5million people were born in Gauteng, but currently over 13million people reside in the province. This is due to mass migration into Gauteng in the hope of finding a job. As Gauteng is South Africa's economic hub. The article on mass migration into Gauteng can be found here.
Because the largest percentage of people in South Africa live in Gauteng, they sadly have to deal with horrible traffic. Gauteng has the honor of having the worst traffic in South Africa, with employees commute taking the longest in this province. The average South African will therefore sit in traffic between 30min and 90min each day on their daily commute. A more detailed breakdown of commute times in South Africa see our commute time article.
The Quarterly employment statistics (QES) states that the average salary of a person employed in the formal sector is R18 045 per month (this includes overtime and bonuses). It's therefore assumed that the average South African's salary earned is R18 045 a month, which is up from R16 787 12months earlier (thats in increase of 7.5%, well above inflation wage increases being experienced of 6.1%). And this is part of South Africa's inflation problem, unions demanding above inflation helps to keep inflation levels higher than they should or need to be.
According to South Africa's mid year population estimates a quarter of South Africans live in Gauteng. Therefore the odds are pretty high that the average South African lives in Gauteng. According to the GHS and Census data roughly 7.5million people were born in Gauteng, but currently over 13million people reside in the province. This is due to mass migration into Gauteng in the hope of finding a job. As Gauteng is South Africa's economic hub. The article on mass migration into Gauteng can be found here.
Because the largest percentage of people in South Africa live in Gauteng, they sadly have to deal with horrible traffic. Gauteng has the honor of having the worst traffic in South Africa, with employees commute taking the longest in this province. The average South African will therefore sit in traffic between 30min and 90min each day on their daily commute. A more detailed breakdown of commute times in South Africa see our commute time article.
The Quarterly employment statistics (QES) states that the average salary of a person employed in the formal sector is R18 045 per month (this includes overtime and bonuses). It's therefore assumed that the average South African's salary earned is R18 045 a month, which is up from R16 787 12months earlier (thats in increase of 7.5%, well above inflation wage increases being experienced of 6.1%). And this is part of South Africa's inflation problem, unions demanding above inflation helps to keep inflation levels higher than they should or need to be.
The surprise for some might be the fact that the average South African works for the government. 27% of formally employed people work for the community services sector, which is largely made up by government departments (be they national, provincial or local municipalities).
Mid year population estimates calculations shows the mid point for the age groupings in South Africa is the 25-29 year old category. Roughly 10% of South Africa's population falls within the age grouping. With about 33% of the population being between 21-34 years old.
In a recent analysis we showed how much South African's consume and spend on alcoholic beverages. Based on our calculations in that analysis South Africa's beer consumption per capita works out to 56L of beer per year. That article can be found here.
According the Consumer Price Index (CPI) weights, which calculates inflation based on a basket of goods and services purchased by the average South African during a year, it shows that the average South African household spends R14.20 out of every R100 spent, on Food. Our article on consumer spending patterns provides more details on consumer spending patterns (per income group). Shows for main items bought, what percentage of total spending is spent on it based on consumers income. That article can be found here.
We wonder how our readers compare to the average South African as profiled in this article>
Mid year population estimates calculations shows the mid point for the age groupings in South Africa is the 25-29 year old category. Roughly 10% of South Africa's population falls within the age grouping. With about 33% of the population being between 21-34 years old.
In a recent analysis we showed how much South African's consume and spend on alcoholic beverages. Based on our calculations in that analysis South Africa's beer consumption per capita works out to 56L of beer per year. That article can be found here.
According the Consumer Price Index (CPI) weights, which calculates inflation based on a basket of goods and services purchased by the average South African during a year, it shows that the average South African household spends R14.20 out of every R100 spent, on Food. Our article on consumer spending patterns provides more details on consumer spending patterns (per income group). Shows for main items bought, what percentage of total spending is spent on it based on consumers income. That article can be found here.
We wonder how our readers compare to the average South African as profiled in this article>