and for boys, the top names were Mthokozisi, Mthobisi and Mthunzi. The South African government has implemented a number of initiatives to address the declining birth rate. These initiatives include:

This represents a significant improvement from the previous year, where only 74.7% of births were registered within the 30-day period. The summary provides a snapshot of the birth registration process in a specific year. It highlights the decline in births and the improvement in registration rates. Let’s delve deeper into the implications of these trends.

This suggests a seasonal pattern in births, with a peak in the spring. The study also revealed that the majority of births occurred in urban areas, with 70% of births taking place in urban settings. This finding highlights the concentration of births in urban areas, suggesting a potential for urban-rural disparities in access to healthcare and other resources.

The summary discusses the trends in birth registrations across different provinces in a specific country. It mentions that for provinces outside of the “focal province” (not specified in the summary), the total birth registrations were below 100,000. It also states that within the first 30 days, the majority of births were registered.

Sex ratio by province According to StatsSA, sex ratio at birth is defined as the number of male births per 100 female births in a population. “A ratio of 100 indicates an equal number of male births for every female birth, whereas a number less than 100 indicates relatively more female births and a number above 100 indicates more male births.” South Africa had a sex ratio of 102 males per 100 females, indicating that there were more male birth registrations than female birth registrations in 2023. Seven provinces, with the exception of Western Cape and Mpumalanga – had the same sex ratio (102) as the national ratio.

The Western Cape province in South Africa has the highest sex ratio at birth, with 103 male births registered for every 100 female births. This is significantly higher than the national average of 100. The Western Cape’s high sex ratio is attributed to a combination of factors, including its high levels of female migration, a preference for male children, and a higher proportion of unmarried mothers.

The Dlaminis, known for their strong family values and cultural traditions, have a history of prioritizing family planning and childbearing. This is reflected in their high birth rates, which have been consistently high for several years. The Ndlovus, known for their entrepreneurial spirit and strong community ties, have also experienced a significant increase in births in 2023.

“The data collected during the registration process is important for national planning,” said StatsSA. “It allows the government to estimate population growth, allocate resources more effectively, and shape policies that respond to the needs of citizens.”