Cities and towns are playing a major role in housing South Africa’s population

Posted: 23 June 2016

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SALGA CEO George says South African cities play a critical role in driving the economy.

George says the municipalities’ task is clear, to tackle poverty, unemployment and inequality.

He says all the reports released including the 2016 report shows a growing confidence in local government.

The State of the Cities report shows that South African cities have grown rapidly because of the obvious economic opportunities and prospects, but also because people view cities as places where livelihoods can be improved and access to services is better.

Over the past two years, cities and towns have experienced the biggest increase in population, a trend that is likely to continue.

It is estimated that almost 78% of South Africa’s population of 51.7 million people live in cities and towns in both urban and rural areas, with only 14% of the population living further than 20 kilometres away from a town or city.

South Africa, as well as several other fast-growing cities, such as Polokwane, Emalahleni, Middelburg and Rustenburg. Some settlements in the vicinity of the metropolitan areas also have increased population numbers.

The report also shows that five of the eight metropolitan municipalities reflect the largest change in numbers of the population, with the city-regions of Gauteng and Cape Town showing the largest growth between 1996 and 2011.