South African Birth Rate Slows Down, Mzansi Discusses
- Although the current fertility rate in South Africa is women giving birth to over 2 children, the stats have changed
- Recent statistics revealed that the birth rate is starting to slow down because of various reasons, including contraceptives and delayed marriages
- South Africans discussed the reality that the cost of living is high, and many people are struggling to afford the basics
Tebogo Mokwena, a dedicated Briefly News current affairs journalist, contributed coverage of international and local social issues like health, corruption, education and heritage in South Africa during his seven years at Daily Sun and Vutivi Business News. Do you have a hard news story you would like to share? Email tebogo.mokwena@briefly.co.za with CA in the subject line.
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GAUTENG– The birth rate in the country is starting to drop owing to various factors, even though the birth rate stands at 2.3 children per woman.
The birth rate in SA drops
According to eNCA, factors such as better healthcare, contraceptives, delayed marriages and how expensive it is to raise children influenced the birthrate. The statistics from research done by Eighty20 reveal that almost half of the children born in the country are born into households which earn R5000 per month. It is believed that this will, in the future, affect healthcare and the labour market.
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South Africans discuss the findings
Netizens on Facebook discussed how expensive nappies and other baby expenses are becoming. Some doubted the accuracy of the statistics.
Romilla Rimilla said:
"Cost of living is high."
Dimakatso Moreroa said:
"Cost of living is tough."
Madikizel Pira added:
"Excellent people are starting to realise that this economy does not allow one to have children."
Piet Maduma Mathibela remarked:
"Milk and nappies are expensive."
William Wizyz Molema disagreed.
"I see a lot of women and girls still pregnant every day. What are they talking about?"
Ngwato Sledge:
"But it's funny because the SA population is increasing rapidly."
Gerry Kipongo:
"Probably amongst adults because the teens are popping babies left, right and centre."
Sumaya Naidoo had a different opinion.
"Cutting us women open unnecessarily, even when it's not medically needed, has scared them, I guess lol. Plus, we have a limit to having children in this country. If you have had c-sections before, know that only three are recommended."
Men threw their friend a father baby-shower, Mzansi touched
In a similar article, Briefly News reported that a group of friends hosted a baby shower for their friend who would be a father.
The man was shown with nappies, wipes and baby essentials, and he felt special and appreciated.
South Africans were warmed by the men's efforts and thanked them for showing their friends love.
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Source: Briefly News
