SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT COMMEMORATES WORLD POPULATION DAY IN MAHIKENG, NORTH WEST

• The Department of Social Development, in partnership with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the North West Provincial Department of Social Development, and North West University, will commemorate World Population Day 2024 on Tuesday, 1 October.
• This year’s theme, “Embracing the Power of Inclusive Data Towards a Resilient and Equitable Future for All,” emphasises the vital role of inclusive data in ensuring that everyone’s rights and choices are recognised.
• The initiative, which aligns with the celebration of 30 years of freedom and democracy in South Africa, will also address the challenges of an ageing population as the country reflects on its demographic advancements over the past three decades.

The Department of Social Development, in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the North West Provincial Department of Social Development, and North West University, will commemorate World Population Day 2024 on Tuesday, 1 October, at 10:00. The initiative will take place at the Mmabatho Palms Hotel in Mahikeng, North West Province. This year’s theme, “Embracing the Power of Inclusive Data Towards a Resilient and Equitable Future for All,” highlights the crucial role of inclusive data in creating a future where everyone’s rights and choices are acknowledged and respected.

World Population Day is commemorated annually around the globe on 11 July to raise awareness of the urgency and importance of global population and development issues. South Africa’s belated observance of this year’s World Population Day was prompted by the national general elections and the transition to the 7th administration under the Government of National Unity.

The 2024 World Population Day coincides with the celebrations of 30 years of freedom and democracy in South Africa and the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD). Through the implementation of the ICPD Programme of Action, South Africa has made significant progress in enhancing the quality of life for ordinary citizens. Over the past three decades, the country has achieved notable improvements in demographic data collection through Stats SA.

According to the 2022 Census projections, the South African population grew to 62 million people, an increase from 51.7 million in 2011. This represents an average annual growth rate of 1.8% between the two periods, marking the largest growth since 1996. Census 2022 was the fourth census since the advent of democracy, following those conducted in 1996, 2001, and 2011.

To build capacity and institutionalise knowledge on population and development issues, the Department of Social Development collaborates with various organisations, including North West University, which currently offers a Postgraduate Diploma in Population and Policy Analysis. Now in its tenth year, this flagship training programme targets government and civil society planners, managers, and researchers working in the population and development policy domain across the African continent.

As this year’s commemoration coincides with the International Day of Older Persons on 1 October, driven mainly by significant improvements in life expectancy over the past 30 years, the seminar will also focus on South Africa’s ageing population and its implications.