When is the next election in South Africa?

Name: National office holders and key facts for South Africa
Creator: PollsAfrica
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

The next national election in South Africa is the South Africa general election 2029: Due by 2029. Official figures come from Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC).

Government directory

Government of South Africa

497 officials listed, each linked to its source.

Population64.7 million2025

GDPUS$427bn2025

Next electionDue by 2029General election

Education share of budget19.3%2026/27 approved

Petrol per litreR30.252026

Presidential term5 years (tied to the National Assembly)Art. s. 88(1)

Minimum wageR30.23 an hour2026

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South Africa, officially the Republic of South Africa, has its capital at Pretoria (administrative capital); Cape Town (legislative capital); Bloemfontein (judicial capital) and a population of 64,747,319 (World Bank, 2025). The CIA World Factbook describes its system of government as a parliamentary republic. President Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa (in office since 19 Jun 2024) is head of state; Deputy President Paul Shipokosa Mashatile is the deputy. The legislature is the Parliament, a bicameral body with 400 seats in the National Assembly and 90 seats in the National Council of Provinces. The most recent national election, per IFES ElectionGuide, was held on 29 May 2024. The source lists the next national election as expected in May 2029. Elections are run by the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC). The directory below lists 33 cabinet and ministerial posts with their current holders and sources.

Head of state · President

Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa

Since 19 Jun 2024 · Source: gov.za

Head of government · President

Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa

Since 19 Jun 2024 · Source: gov.za

Office	Holder	Since
Deputy President	Paul Shipokosa Mashatile	-

Sources: South African Government (gov.za) (retrieved 11 Oct 2026).

Legislature

Parliament

Bicameral. Source: CIA World Factbook

Chamber	Seats	Last election
National Assembly	400 (all directly elected)	15 Jun 2024
National Council of Provinces	90 (all appointed)	29 May 2024

South Africa National Assembly: list of members · South Africa National Council of Provinces: list of members

Political mix

Seats by party in each chamber of South Africa. One dot is one seat.

National Assembly

Current (from our list)

401

National Assembly names listed

ANC162(40.4%)
DA87(21.7%)
MKP57(14.2%)
EFF38(9.5%)
IFP17(4.2%)
PA9(2.2%)
Action SA6(1.5%)
FF+6(1.5%)
ACDP3(0.7%)
UDM3(0.7%)
Al Jama-ah2(0.5%)
ATM2(0.5%)
BOSA2(0.5%)
NCC2(0.5%)
RISE Mzansi2(0.5%)
GOOD1(0.2%)
PAC1(0.2%)
UAT1(0.2%)

Each dot is one seat. Members are placed within their party’s section, not in their real seats.

Members on the chart (401, by party)

ANC (162)

Dr BE Nzimande
Dr D Masondo
Dr GW Koornhof
Dr M Gigaba
Dr NP Nkabane
Dr PA Motsoaledi
Dr R Mhaule
Mr KD Ramokgopa
Mr A Botes
Mr AC Nel
Mr C Mathale
Mr C R Hlophe
Mr E Godongwana
Mr EA Cloete
Mr G Mantashe
Mr J Sibiya
Mr KB Manamela
Mr L Mkutu
Mr M Gungubele
Mr M Ntuli
Mr M Segede
Mr MC Masina
Mr MD Mahlobo
Mr MG Mahlaule
Mr MJ Maswanganyi
Mr N Maduna
Mr OM Mathafa
Mr P Tau
Mr RO Lamola
Mr S Mahumapelo
Mr S Zikalala
Mr SL Dithebe
Mr SM Maeco
Mr SP Mashatile
Mr T Louw
Mr V A Nkosi
Mr WT Letsie
Mr Z Godlimpi
Ms AF Muthambi
Ms AS Hlongo
Ms AT Didiza
Ms B Swarts
Ms DD Pule
Ms DE Mpapane
Ms DR Direko
Ms HE Neale-May
Ms KJ Maimela
Ms KLN Sangoni
Ms KPS Ntshavheni
Ms L Sapo
Ms LE Ligaraba
Ms LS Chikunga
Ms M Modise-Mpya
Ms M O Seate
Ms M Ramokgopa
Ms MA Motshekga
Ms ML Dunjwa
Ms MSE Letsike
Ms N G Tolashe
Ms N Gantsho
Ms NB Mhlauli
Ms NE Motaung
Ms PS Kekana
Ms PS Mgcina
Ms R C Adams
Ms RN Capa
Ms RS Nalumango
Ms RT Siweya
Ms SP Jama
Ms ST Ndabeni-Abrahams
Ms T Mgweba
Ms T Simelane
Ms T Sokanyile
Ms TM Chauke-Adonis
Ms TVB Mchunu
Ms Y Govana
Ms Z Khanyase
Prince Z Burns-Ncamashe
Prof F Cachalia
Mr CT Frolick, Eastern Cape
Mr M Dlelanga, Eastern Cape
Mr M Mrara, Eastern Cape
Mr M Nontsele, Eastern Cape
Mr MM Hala, Eastern Cape
Mr P Ndamase, Eastern Cape
Mr X Nqola, Eastern Cape
Ms AN Kumbaca, Eastern Cape
Ms N Meth, Eastern Cape
Ms NQ Mvana, Eastern Cape
Ms NS Nkopane, Eastern Cape
Ms PC Majodina, Eastern Cape
Ms ST Xego, Eastern Cape
Ms W Tikana-Gxotiwe, Eastern Cape
Mr S Mohai, Free State
Ms ML Mmolotsane, Free State
Ms ML Mofokeng, Free State
Ms MM Sotyu, Free State
Mr BM Maneli, Gauteng
Mr C N Malematja, Gauteng
Mr TB Munyai, Gauteng
Ms A Ramolobeng, Gauteng
Ms B Creecy, Gauteng
Ms BP Mabe, Gauteng
Ms F Hassan, Gauteng
Ms IM Mbiyo, Gauteng
Ms J Nemadzinga-Tshabalala, Gauteng
Ms M Kubayi, Gauteng
Ms NA Gcaleka-Mazibuko, Gauteng
Ms PP Xaba-Ntshaba, Gauteng
Ms TE Magagula, Gauteng
Dr Z Mkhize, KZN
Mr ES Mchunu, KZN
Mr NB Nzuza, KZN
Mr SI Subrathie, KZN
Ms D R Ntuli, KZN
Ms N Dube-Ncube, KZN
Ms N Gina, KZN
Ms NE Mtolo, KZN
Dr JM Phaahla, Limpopo
Dr ND Masemola, Limpopo
Mr CS Mathabatha, Limpopo
Mr KS Ramaila, Limpopo
Mr M A Seabi, Limpopo
Mr MS Chabane, Limpopo
Mr MS Lekganyane, Limpopo
Mr MS Moela, Limpopo
Mr S D Selamolela, Limpopo
Mr SC Sekoati, Limpopo
Ms AT Moraka, Limpopo
Ms CM Phiri, Limpopo
Ms MB Pholwane, Limpopo
Ms MC Dikgale, Limpopo
Ms MJ Aphiri, Limpopo
Ms MP Makgato, Limpopo
Ms NA Ndalane, Limpopo
Ms NK Bilankulu, Limpopo
Ms SP Boshielo, Limpopo
Ms TJ Bila, Limpopo
Mr GJ Skosana, Mpumalanga
Mr S Mahlangu, Mpumalanga
Ms FL Shabangu, Mpumalanga
Ms JL Mokoena, Mpumalanga
Ms JQ Khumalo, Mpumalanga
Ms LL Ntshalintshali, Mpumalanga
Ms LS Makhubela, Mpumalanga
Ms NE Nkosi, Mpumalanga
Mr GD Kgabo, North West
Mr IK Morolong, North West
Mr MD Legoete, North West
Mr NT Tshotetsi, North West
Ms BM Kegakilwe, North West
Ms KC Tlhong, North West
Ms MM Senne, North West
Ms NS Sompa-Masiu, North West
Ms S Mosikatsi, Northern Cape
Ms SE Izaks, Northern Cape
Mr C Dugmore, Western Cape
Mr MM Sokopo, Western Cape
Mr WTD Plaatjies, Western Cape
Ms N Makasi, Western Cape
Ms S Davids, Western Cape
Ms T Mahambehlala, Western Cape

DA (87)

Adv G Breytenbach
Dr LA Schreiber
Dr M Gondwe
Mr AC Roos
Mr AN Sarupen
Mr C Hattingh
Mr D Bergman
Mr D Maynier
Mr EJ Marais
Mr EM Bath
Mr JR Lorimer
Mr K Mileham
Mr KS Wakelin
Mr L Mphithi
Mr LJ Basson
Mr MS Malatsi
Mr S J Moore
Mr T Chance
Mr TB Mabhena
Mr TR Ramongalo
Mr W Horn
Mr Y Cassim
Ms ALA Abrahams
Ms AT Khanyile
Ms C Jordaan
Ms D Kohler
Ms D Van Der Walt
Ms EL Powell
Ms F Mbiko
Ms H Ismail
Ms LR Potgieter
Ms M Clarke
Ms M Maseko
Ms NW Mazzone
Ms S Gwarube
Ms S Singh
Ms SJ Graham-Maré
Ms T Bodlani
Ms W Alexander
Prof A Lotriet
Mr BB Nodada, Eastern Cape
Mr M Nhanha, Eastern Cape
Ms A M Van Zyl, Eastern Cape
Mr G Michalakis, Free State
Ms KL Khakhau, Free State
Dr J Bloom, Gauteng
Mr AD de Blocq van Scheltinga, Gauteng
Mr J Engelbrecht, Gauteng
Mr P Atkinson, Gauteng
Mr WD Peach, Gauteng
Ms B Masango, Gauteng
Ms NK Sharif, Gauteng
Mr DW Macpherson, KZN
Mr E Baptie, KZN
Mr JH Steenhuisen, KZN
Mr M Chetty, KZN
Mr ML Shelembe, KZN
Mr MM Mdluli, KZN
Mr S G Vilakazi, KZN
Mr S Zondi, KZN
Ms NJ Bollman, KZN
Mr CF Smit, Limpopo
Mr DD Klopper, Mpumalanga
Mr HC Kruger, Mpumalanga
Ms RJ Sithole, Mpumalanga
Mr IS Seitlholo, North West
Mr JJ McGluwa, North West
Dr. DC Christians, Northern Cape
Mr W Aucamp, Northern Cape
Ms LM Schickerling, Northern Cape
Dr CH Hunsinger, Western Cape
Dr KW Le Roux, Western Cape
Dr MJ Burke, Western Cape
Mr AG Bateman, Western Cape
Mr BS Madikizela, Western Cape
Mr C Poole, Western Cape
Mr F Essack, Western Cape
Mr I Cameron, Western Cape
Mr JN De Villiers, Western Cape
Mr M Bagraim, Western Cape
Mr NG Myburgh, Western Cape
Mr R Smith, Western Cape
Ms C Labuschagne, Western Cape
Ms E Linde, Western Cape
Ms ERJ Spies, Western Cape
Ms K Kgobisa-Ngcaba, Western Cape
Ms KA Christie, Western Cape

MKP (57)

Dr J Hlophe
Dr K Litchfield-Tshabalala
LG Shangase
Mr A Mngxitama
Mr AT Themba
Mr B Mkongi
Mr C V Shongwe
Mr DM Skosana
Mr E Madlala
Mr G Motaung
Mr G Taaibosch
Mr IS Mogale
Mr J B Mtolo
Mr JS Malinga
Mr JS Ngubane
Mr KB Madlala
Mr LD Selepe
Mr M Manyi
Mr MJ Matutu
Mr MM Gasa
Mr MP Motubatse
Mr MP Msezane
Mr MS Mbatha
Mr NI Nxumalo
Mr S I Gama
Mr S Nomvalo
Mr S W Mkhize
Mr SG Mwali
Mr SN Mlotshwa
Mr SP Mkhize
Mr SR Moodley
Mr T I Gamede
Mr TTS Kubheka
Mr VG Reddy
Mr WM Douglas
Mr WQ Ngobese
Mr Z K A Cele
Mr ZE Mthethwa
Ms B Zuma
Ms D Ntshaba
Ms G Mathonsi
Ms H Mbele
Ms MB Muhammad
Ms MC Mafagane
Ms N Buthelezi
Ms NA Mtshweni
Ms P Mkhize
Ms PP Mngadi
Ms S Nkosi
Rev NB Gcwabaza
TS Mjadu
Mr DD Van Rooyen, Gauteng
Ms ZS Abader, Gauteng
Mr A Nchabeleng, KZN
Mr P Kubukeli, KZN
Ms HM Radebe, KZN
Ms SM Mokoena-Zondi, KZN

EFF (38)

Mr C Matiwane
Mr E Mthethwa
Mr J Malema
Mr LM Komane
Mr M Khoza
Mr N M Paulsen
Mr S Lonzi
Mr T Mogale
Mr V Pambo
Ms EN Ntlangwini
Ms HO Mkhaliphi
Ms MR Mohlala
Ms N Mhlongo
Ms NV Mente-Nkuna
Ms P Marais
Ms PR Mailola
Ms B Mathulelwa, Eastern Cape
Ms N Tafeni, Eastern Cape
Mr NS Matiase, Free State
Dr S Thembekwayo, Gauteng
Mr CG Niehaus, Gauteng
Ms L Mathys, Gauteng
Ms N Nolutshungu, Gauteng
Ms NN Chirwa-Mpungose, Gauteng
Ms S Gcilishe, Gauteng
Mr MB Blose, KZN
Ms MS Khawula, KZN
Dr L Managa, Limpopo
Mr M Shikwambana, Limpopo
Mr S Thambo, Limpopo
Ms N Mashabela, Limpopo
Ms OMC Maotwe, Limpopo
Ms M Dlamini, Mpumalanga
Ms B Diale, North West
Ms LH Arries, North West
Ms MS Letlape, North West
Ms T Mokwele, North West
Ms LF Tito, Northern Cape

IFP (17)

Inkosi NZ Buthelezi
Mr EM Buthelezi
Mr M Hlengwa
Mr MA Mncwango
Mr TM Langa
Ms LL van der Merwe
Ms Z Majozi
Mr A K Ngobese, Gauteng
Inkosi RN Cebekhulu, KZN
Mr S S Zondo, KZN
Mr BN Luthuli, KZN
Mr N Hadebe, KZN
Mr N Singh, KZN
Mr SL Ngcobo, KZN
Mr VF Hlabisa, KZN
Ms BE Machi, KZN
Ms NH Mhlongo, KZN

PA (9)

Mr A Sauls
Mr E Hendricks
Mr SHM van Wyk
Ms J A Basson
Ms M L Mhlanga
Mr M V Daniels, Eastern Cape
Ms T Jeyi, Gauteng
Mr G McKenzie, Western Cape
Ms SM Peters, Western Cape

Action SA (6)

Dr TKS Letlape
Mr A Trollip
Mr AD Beesley
Ms DE James
Ms LM Ngobeni
Ms MP Kobe

FF+ (6)

Dr PJ Groenewald
Dr WJ Boshoff
Mr PA Van Staden
Mr W Wessels
Ms H Denner
Dr CP Mulder, Western Cape

ACDP (3)

Mr SN Swart
Mr WM Thring
Rev KR Meshoe

UDM (3)

Mr BH Holomisa
Mr NL Kwankwa
Ms TC Nontenja

Al Jama-ah (2)

Mr I Ismail-Moosa
Mr MGE Hendricks

ATM (2)

Mr V Zungula
Ms TL Marawu, Eastern Cape

BOSA (2)

Dr MA Maimane
Hlazo-Webster Ms NL

NCC (2)

Mr. F Adams
Ms S Frenchman, Western Cape

RISE Mzansi (2)

Mr SS Zibi
Mr M Gana, Gauteng

GOOD (1)

Ms P De Lille

PAC (1)

Mr M Nyhontso

UAT (1)

Dr LW Mahlatsi

Seats by party (table)

National Assembly: seats by party, current (from our list)
Party	Seats	Share of listed seats
ANC	162	40.4%
DA	87	21.7%
MKP	57	14.2%
EFF	38	9.5%
IFP	17	4.2%
PA	9	2.2%
Action SA	6	1.5%
FF+	6	1.5%
ACDP	3	0.7%
UDM	3	0.7%
Al Jama-ah	2	0.5%
ATM	2	0.5%
BOSA	2	0.5%
NCC	2	0.5%
RISE Mzansi	2	0.5%
GOOD	1	0.2%
PAC	1	0.2%
UAT	1	0.2%

Current: the party shown against each member on our checked list. It can differ from the election result because of defections and by-elections. 400 seats in the chamber. As of 15 October 2026. Source: Parliamentary Monitoring Group (PMG) members list.

National Council of Provinces

Current (from our list)

National Council of Provinces seats

ANC24(44.4%)
DA12(22.2%)
EFF8(14.8%)
MKP5(9.3%)
FF+2(3.7%)
IFP1(1.9%)
PA1(1.9%)
UDM1(1.9%)

Each dot is one seat. Members are placed within their party’s section, not in their real seats.

Members on the chart (54, by party)

ANC (24)

Mr P Phala
Adv Inkosi M Nonkonyana, Eastern Cape
Mr M Feni, Eastern Cape
Ms MB Ndlangisa-Nodada, Eastern Cape
Mr BA Radebe, Free State
Mr EP Noe, Free State
Ms MG Dhlamini, Free State
Mr MG Modise, Gauteng
Ms JS Mananiso, Gauteng
Kaunda,Mr TM, KZN
Mr F Mokwele, Limpopo
Ms K Molokomme, Limpopo
Ms S Ndhlovu, Limpopo
Mr MP Sibande, Mpumalanga
Ms RM Mtshweni-Tsipane, Mpumalanga
Ms S Nxumalo, Mpumalanga
Mr BS Mabebo, North West
Ms OD Medupe, North West
Ms SL Sithole, North West
Ms TI Legwase, North West
Mr MK Mmoiemang, Northern Cape
Mr SP Mabilo, Northern Cape
Ms D Fienies, Northern Cape
Ms S Masumpa, Western Cape

DA (12)

Mr JHP Britz, Eastern Cape
Dr IS Scheurkogel, Free State
Mr D Ryder, Gauteng
Ms N Du Plessis, Gauteng
Mr M Billy, KZN
Mr N H Pienaar, Limpopo
Ms SH Boshoff, Mpumalanga
Ms JM Adriaanse, North West
Mr OJ Mokae, Northern Cape
Mr F Badenhorst, Western Cape
Mr N Gotsell, Western Cape
Mr PJ Swart, Western Cape

EFF (8)

Ms A Matshobeni, Eastern Cape
Ms M Makesini, Free State
Mr MM Mampuru, Gauteng
Ms M Kennedy, Limpopo
Mr K Ceza, Mpumalanga
Mr Mk Montwedi, North West
Ms AM Siwisa, Northern Cape
Mr V Gericke, Western Cape

MKP (5)

Ms LP Mhlongo
Mr E Nzimande, Gauteng
Mr JS Majola, KZN
Mr NK Maphumulo, KZN
Mr S A Zulu, Mpumalanga

FF+ (2)

Ms T Breedt, Free State
Mr H Van den Berg, Northern Cape

IFP (1)

Mr P Govender, KZN

PA (1)

Mr B Farmer, Western Cape

UDM (1)

Mr M M Peter, Eastern Cape

Seats by party (table)

National Council of Provinces: seats by party, current (from our list)
Party	Seats	Share of listed seats
ANC	24	44.4%
DA	12	22.2%
EFF	8	14.8%
MKP	5	9.3%
FF+	2	3.7%
IFP	1	1.9%
PA	1	1.9%
UDM	1	1.9%

Current: the party shown against each member on our checked list. It can differ from the election result because of defections and by-elections. 54 seats in the chamber. As of 15 October 2026. Source: Parliamentary Monitoring Group (PMG) members list.

Cabinet

Portfolio	Holder	Since
Minister of Agriculture	Willie Aucamp	-
Minister of Basic Education	Siviwe Gwarube	-
Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies	Mmoba Solomon Malatsi	-
Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs	Velenkosini Hlabisa	-
Minister of Correctional Services	Petrus Johannes Groenewald	-
Minister of Defence and Military Veterans	Angie Motshekga	-
Minister of Electricity and Energy	Kgosientsho Ramokgopa	-
Minister of Employment and Labour	Nomakhosazana Meth	-
Minister of Finance	Enoch Godongwana	-
Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment	David Maynier	-
Minister of Health	Aaron Motsoaledi	-
Minister of Higher Education	Buti Manamela	-
Minister of Home Affairs	Leon Amos Schreiber	-
Minister of Human Settlements	Thembisile Simelane	-
Minister of International Relations and Cooperation	Ronald Lamola	-
Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development	Mmamoloko Kubayi	-
Minister of Land Reform and Rural Development	Mzwanele Nyhontso	-
Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resource	Gwede Mantashe	-
Minister of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation	Maropene Ramokgopa	-
Minister of Police	Firoz Cachalia	-
Minister in the Presidency	Khumbudzo Ntshavheni	-
Minister of Public Service and Administration	Inkosi Mzamo Buthelezi	-
Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure	Dean William Macpherson	-
Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation	Blade Nzimande	-
Minister of Small Business Development	Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams	-
Minister of Social Development	Dinah Pule	-
Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture	Gayton McKenzie	-
Minister of Tourism	Patricia de Lille	-
Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition	Parks Tau	-
Minister of Transport	Barbara Creecy	-
Minister of Water and Sanitation	Pemmy Castelina Pamela Majodina	-
Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation	Jack Bloom	-
Minister of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities	Sindisiwe Chikunga	-

Sources: South African Government (gov.za) (retrieved 11 Oct 2026).

Parliament, courts and independent offices

Office	Holder	Since
Speaker of the National Assembly	A T Didiza	-
Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces	R Mtshweni-Tsipane	-
Chief Justice	M M L Maya	-
IEC chairperson	Mosotho Moepya	-
Reserve Bank governor	Lesetja Kganyago	9 Nov 2014
Attorney-General	Adv Andy JL Mothibi	-

Sources: Parliament of South Africa (retrieved 11 Oct 2026); Judiciary of South Africa (retrieved 11 Oct 2026); Electoral Commission of South Africa (retrieved 11 Oct 2026); South African Reserve Bank (retrieved 11 Oct 2026); National Prosecuting Authority of South Africa (retrieved 23 Oct 2026).

South Africa election dates 2026, 2027 and 2028

Next national election: Due by 2029, general election.

Date	Election	Status	Turnout	Winner
4 Nov 2026	Local elections	Scheduled	-	-
Due by 2029	General election	Due	-	-

Sources: Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) (retrieved 21 Oct 2026).

Recent results

Date	Election	Status	Turnout	Winner
29 May 2024	General election	Held	58.64%	African National Congress (ANC)

Sources: Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) (retrieved 9 Oct 2026).

Africa election calendar

Budget at a glance

Full budget page, 2023/24 to 2026/27

Education: 19.3%; of the approved budget, 2026/27
Health: 11.6%; of the approved budget, 2026/27
Open Budget Survey: 83 of 100; transparency score, 2023

Economy at a glance

Full economy page

GDP: US$427bn; 2025
GDP growth: 1.1%; 2025
Remittances received: US$1.0bn; 2025
Foreign direct investment: US$-2.2bn; 2025

Today in South Africa

All top stories in South Africa

South AfricaCovered by 2 outlets
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Each outlet's headline
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JUST IN | Ex-IDAC boss Andrea Johnson and Feroz Khan granted bail
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Andrea Johnson and Feroz Khan arrested over alleged obstruction of justice
- Mail & Guardian
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- Mail & Guardian: Andrea Johnson and Feroz Khan arrested over alleged defeating ends of justice
- IOL: Andrea Johnson and Feroz Khan arrested over alleged obstruction of justice
past week
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Need data we do not publish?

Tell us the question and the country. We design and field the study, and publish the method with the result.

Commission a study in South Africa

More data for South Africa

National budget

Education and health spending, 2023/24 to 2026/27

Approved against actual spending, with the Abuja and Education 2030 targets.

PollsAfrica indices

Africa Budget Promise Index: 88.8, rank 1 of 4 countries scored.

World Bank data

Economy: GDP, investment, trade and remittances, 2015 to 2025

Money sent home by citizens abroad, foreign direct investment, reserves, external debt and aid.

Report a change

Seen an appointment or an error? Send the source to corrections@pollsafrica.com.

Population of South Africa

South Africa had 63.1 million people in 2025, 6th largest of 53 in Africa. The IMF projects 67 million by 2030. African countries by population. South Africa's provinces compared.

South Africa in numbers

Population (2025)
63.1
6th largest of 53 in Africa
Population growth since 2015 (2025)
13.3 %
45th fastest-growing of 52 in Africa
Projected population 2030 (2030)
67.0
6th highest of 52 in Africa
People per sq km (2025)
52
33rd most crowded of 53 in Africa

Source: International Monetary Fund, World Economic Outlook database, October 2026 (DataMapper indicators NGDPDPC, NGDPD and LP), October 2026. Last checked 24 October 2026.

Population of South Africa, 2015 to 2030Millions of people. From 2026 the figures are IMF projections.

View the data as a table

Period	South Africa
2015	55.7
2016	56.5
2017	57.4
2018	58.2
2019	59.1
2020	60.0
2021	60.6
2022	61.4
2023	62.2
2024	63.0
2025	63.1
2026	63.9 (partial)
2027	64.6 (partial)
2028	65.4 (partial)
2029	66.2 (partial)
2030	67.0 (partial)

Source: International Monetary Fund, World Economic Outlook database, October 2026 (DataMapper indicators NGDPDPC, NGDPD and LP), October 2026. Last checked 24 October 2026.

Inflation and unemployment in South Africa

Prices in South Africa rose 3.2% in 2025, 30th highest of 52 in Africa. The ILO estimates unemployment at 32.4% (2025) and 59.9% among people aged 15 to 24. South Africa's own survey put it at 29.6% in 2025; the two differ because the ILO models every country on one method while national surveys define work and job search in their own way. Inflation in Africa · Unemployment in Africa · South Africa's economy.

Prices and jobs in South Africa

Inflation (2025)
3.2 %
23rd lowest of 52 in Africa
Unemployment (2025)
32.4 %
52nd lowest of 53 in Africa
Youth unemployment (2025)
59.9 %
52nd lowest of 53 in Africa
Unemployment, national survey (2025)
29.6 %
National survey

Source: World Bank, World Development Indicators. Last checked 24 October 2026.

Inflation in South AfricaRise in consumer prices, % a year.

View the data as a table

Period	South Africa
2010	4.1
2011	5.0
2012	5.7
2013	5.8
2014	6.1
2015	4.5
2016	6.6
2017	5.2
2018	4.5
2019	4.1
2020	3.2
2021	4.6
2022	7.0
2023	6.1
2024	4.4
2025	3.2
2026	Not published

Source: World Bank, World Development Indicators. Last checked 24 October 2026.

Unemployment in South Africa: ILO estimate and national survey% of the labour force. The national survey line has gaps in years without a survey.

View the data as a table

Period	ILO modelled estimate	National survey
2010	24.7	24.7
2011	24.6	24.6
2012	24.7	24.7
2013	24.6	24.6
2014	24.9	24.9
2015	25.2	25.1
2016	26.5	26.5
2017	27.0	27.0
2018	26.9	26.9
2019	28.5	28.5
2020	29.2	29.2
2021	34.0	34.0
2022	33.3	33.3
2023	32.1	32.1
2024	32.3	32.3
2025	32.4	29.6
2026	Not published	Not published

Source: World Bank, World Development Indicators. Last checked 24 October 2026.

Life expectancy and infant mortality in South Africa

A child born in South Africa can expect to live 66.3 years (2024). 35 of every 1,000 children die before age five. Life expectancy in Africa, all countries ranked. Child deaths by province.

Health in South Africa

Life expectancy (2024)
66.3
24th longest of 54 in Africa
Child deaths under five (2024)
35
13th lowest of 54 in Africa
Health spending per person (2023)
537
3rd highest of 54 in Africa

Source: World Bank, World Development Indicators. Last checked 24 October 2026.

Life expectancy in South Africa against the middle African countryLife expectancy at birth, years.

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Period	South Africa	Middle African country
2014	63.2	61.8
2015	64.1	62.3
2016	64.7	62.8
2017	65.4	63.1
2018	65.7	63.2
2019	66.1	63.3
2020	65.2	63.7
2021	62.0	62.5
2022	65.5	64.6
2023	66.1	65.6
2024	66.3	65.8

Source: World Bank, World Development Indicators. Last checked 24 October 2026.

Infant and child mortality in South AfricaDeaths before age five per 1,000 live births. Lower is better.

View the data as a table

Period	South Africa
2014	40
2015	38
2016	37
2017	36
2018	35
2019	34
2020	34
2021	34
2022	34
2023	35
2024	35

Source: World Bank, World Development Indicators. Last checked 24 October 2026.

Literacy rate in South Africa

91.2% of adults in South Africa can read and write (2024, World Bank). Literacy rate in Africa by country · Literacy by province · Universities and exam bodies in South Africa.

Literacy and schooling in South Africa

Adult literacy (2024)
91.2 %
4th highest of 52 in Africa
Youth literacy (2024)
97.2 %
6th highest of 53 in Africa
Education spending, % of GDP (2024)
6.0 %
11th highest of 52 in Africa

Source: World Bank, World Development Indicators. Last checked 24 October 2026.

Human development and internet access in South Africa

South Africa's Human Development Index was 0.741 in 2023, 106th of 193 countries in the world (high human development). Human Development Index in Africa · Tech and internet in Africa · Learn digital skills with SR Academy.

Development and digital access in South Africa

Human Development Index (2023)
0.74
6th highest of 54 in Africa
Internet users (2024)
78.4 %
4th highest of 54 in Africa
Mobile subscriptions (2024)
179
3rd highest of 54 in Africa
Access to electricity (2024)
90.2 %
11th highest of 54 in Africa

Source: World Bank, World Development Indicators. Last checked 24 October 2026.

Human development in South AfricaUNDP Human Development Index, 0 to 1, against the middle African country.

View the data as a table

Period	South Africa	Middle African country
2000	0.62	0.44
2001	0.61	0.45
2002	0.61	0.45
2003	0.61	0.46
2004	0.61	0.46
2005	0.62	0.47
2006	0.62	0.47
2007	0.63	0.48
2008	0.64	0.49
2009	0.66	0.50
2010	0.67	0.50
2011	0.68	0.51
2012	0.70	0.52
2013	0.71	0.52
2014	0.71	0.52
2015	0.72	0.53
2016	0.72	0.53
2017	0.73	0.54
2018	0.73	0.54
2019	0.74	0.55
2020	0.72	0.55
2021	0.72	0.56
2022	0.74	0.57
2023	0.74	0.57

Source: UNDP, Human Development Report, composite indices time series. Last checked 24 October 2026.

Is South Africa safe?

The US State Department rates South Africa at level 2 of 4: exercise increased caution. The homicide rate is 43.7 per 100,000 people (2022). Safest countries in Africa.

Safety in South Africa

US travel advisory level (2025)
2
9th safest by advisory of 54 in Africa
Homicide rate (2022)
43.7
37th lowest of 37 in Africa

Source: World Bank, World Development Indicators. Last checked 24 October 2026.

Coups, democracy and stability in South Africa

The Cline Center records no coup, attempt or plot in South Africa. Coups in Africa: every country.

Democracy and stability in South Africa

Voice and accountability (2025)
70
3rd highest of 54 in Africa
Political stability (2025)
59
20th highest of 54 in Africa
Control of corruption (2025)
45
10th highest of 54 in Africa

Source: World Bank, Worldwide Governance Indicators. Last checked 24 October 2026.

South Africa's debt

Government debt was 78.4% of GDP in 2025 (IMF). The largest foreign creditor is bondholders, owed 79.1% of public debt abroad (2024). South Africa's debt and creditors in full · Debt in Africa.

Reading on South Africa

Compare South Africa

Where South Africa ranks in Africa

Its place among the 54 African countries on each of our Africa rankings. Each tile opens the full ranking with its source.

All Africa rankings

Cite this

PollsAfrica (2026). Government of South Africa. Retrieved 26 Oct 2026 from https://pollsafrica.com/countries/south-africa

Government of South Africa

Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa

Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa

Parliament

Political mix

National Assembly

Current (from our list)

ANC (162)

DA (87)

MKP (57)

EFF (38)

IFP (17)

PA (9)

Action SA (6)

FF+ (6)

ACDP (3)

UDM (3)

Al Jama-ah (2)

ATM (2)

BOSA (2)

NCC (2)

RISE Mzansi (2)

GOOD (1)

PAC (1)

UAT (1)

National Council of Provinces

Current (from our list)

ANC (24)

DA (12)

EFF (8)

MKP (5)

FF+ (2)

IFP (1)

PA (1)

UDM (1)

Cabinet

Parliament, courts and independent offices

South Africa election dates 2026, 2027 and 2028

Recent results

Budget at a glance

Economy at a glance

Today in South Africa

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Andrea Johnson and Feroz Khan arrested over alleged obstruction of justice

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More data for South Africa

Population of South Africa

Inflation and unemployment in South Africa

Life expectancy and infant mortality in South Africa

Literacy rate in South Africa

Human development and internet access in South Africa

Is South Africa safe?

Coups, democracy and stability in South Africa

South Africa's debt

Reading on South Africa

Compare South Africa

Where South Africa ranks in Africa

Cite this