The Western Cape is home to one of the highest proportions of elderly persons aged 60 years and above, at 12.4% of the population, and the Eastern Cape at 13.2%, according to the latest data from Statistics SA’s (Stats SA) mid-year population publication.
Stats SA estimates the mid-year population at 63.52 million people in 2026.
Approximately 50.9% (32.3 million) of the population is female, and the life expectancy at birth for 2026 is estimated at 65.5 years for males and 71.0 years for females.
The highest proportions of elderly persons aged 60 years and above are found in the Eastern Cape (13.2%) and Western Cape (12.4%).
In the Western Cape, MEC for Social Development, Jaco Londt, confirmed that with the growing elderly population, R271 million had been earmarked for funding non-profit organisations, with over 5 093 bed spaces made available at independent or frail care facilities.
He added that there was a demand for more services as the elderly grew in the province.
“As the population ages, we have noted an increase in demand for services for older persons,” said Londt.
“During this financial year, we have allocated more than R271 million toward funding NPOs who provide services to older persons.
“This includes subsidies for 5 093 bed spaces across three residential categories (independent, partially independent, and frail care), as well as 8 349 subsidies for community-based services to older persons.
“We also provide psychosocial services to those experiencing elder abuse. The same goes for other services rendered by the Department and our NGO partners.”
Londt added that the data from Stats SA is used to motivate for extra funding and support from the government, as well as corporations wanting to support those that are most at risk.
The Stats SA report comes just weeks after senior citizens in the Western Cape, under the banner of Pensioners of South Africa (POSA), called on President Cyril Ramaphosa and authorities the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) to increase in their state pension of R2 400 a month to R5 000.
Genevieve Serra
capetimes.co.za