More than 60% of South African children are living in poverty
Just over half (51%) the children of South Africa are considered to be monetary poor
SOME 62,1% of South Africa’s children are identified as multi-dimensionally poor, according to a report on child poverty released by Statistics South Africa.
The report provides an analysis of the Living Conditions Survey, conducted in 2015, that shows 51% of the country’s children are considered to be monetary poor.
ALSO READ: Zululand township entrepreneurs on the move during lockdown
This means they live in a household where the consumption is below the lower-bound poverty line of R647 per person, per month.
Black African children (68,3%) suffer the highest percentage of poverty, with orphans (77,3%) and paternal orphans (75%) suffering most.
The report shows that more than twice as many children living in rural areas (88,4%) face poverty, compared with children in urban areas (41,3%).
This is particularly high in Limpopo (82,8%) and the Eastern Cape (78,7%).
Gauteng and the Western Cape were found to have the lowest incidences of child poverty – 33,6% and 37,1% respectively.
The report also revealed that children under five are most deprived in terms of housing (61,3%), child development (57,9%), and health (54,4%).
Among children aged five to 17 years old, education, housing and health emerged as the biggest areas of deprivation.
HAVE YOUR SAY Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter.
For news straight to your phone invite us:
WhatsApp – 060 784 2695
Instagram – zululand_observer
