Eastern Cape premier Oscar Mabuyane has welcomed the provincial report of the Census 2022, after it was formally handed over by Statistics South Africa in East London on October 19.
The report shows that the population of the Eastern Cape has increased from 6.5 million recorded in the 2011 census to 7.2 million in 2022, which translates to a 10.2 percent increase.
The report further confirms the Eastern Cape as the fourth most-populated province in the country, slipping from third in the previous count.
In welcoming the report, Mabuyane recommitted provincial government to steering the province towards a path of sustainable development and inclusive growth, armed and enlightened with knowledge, and a shared vision for a better future.
He further lauded Eastern Cape citizens for their role, as the statistics show that the province has the second-highest number of households involved in agricultural activity.
The report further shows that the black community continues to dominate the population of the province at 85.6 percent, followed by the Coloured community at 7.6 percent, white community at 5.6 percent, with the Indians and Asian populations contributing 0.5 percent.
The data also shows that 56.1 percent of children aged 0–4 have access to Early Childhood Development Programmes, and are reported to be attending Educare Centres around the province, with persons aged five to 24 years attending school – also a 4.8 percent increase from 72.5 to 77.3 percent in 2022.
Eastern Cape population statistics per districts
. OR Tambo – 1,501 702
. Nelson Mandela Bay Metro – 1,1 90 496
. Buffalo City Metro – 975 255
. Alfred Nzo – 936 462
. Amathole district – 871 601
. Chris Hani district – 828 387
. Sarah Baartman – 533 253
. Joe Gqabi – 393 048
Statistics South Africa officially handed over its report on Census 2022 national statistics to President Cyril Ramaphosa on October 10.
