JOHANNESBURG - South Africa's birth rate is steadily falling.
It dropped from 2.78 children per woman in 2008 to just 2.21 in 2025, according to Statistics South Africa.
Experts say this mirrors a global trend, driven largely by economic pressures, shifting social priorities and greater access to family planning.
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While fewer births could ease pressure on services like healthcare and education.
They also raise concerns about future economic growth.
Acting DDG of Strategy and Organisational Transformation at the Department of Social Development, Jacques van Zuydam joined eNCA to discuss this further.