Life expectancy of 70 by 2030 is achievable: Statistician General
The life expectancy goals of 70 by 2030 as set out in the National Development Plan are achievable at the current rate of projections. Statistician General Pali Lehohla made this statement on Thursday as he presented the mid-year population estimates for 2016. In the report‚ Statistics SA said life expectancy was estimated at 59‚7 years for males and 65‚1 years for females. He said there had been a decrease in the number of Aids-related deaths from 2007 and this could be attributed to the increase in the rollout of antiretroviral treatment over time. The report showed that Aids-related deaths numbered 315 959 in 2007 and this had decreased to 150 759 in 2016. According to the report‚ the mid-year population was estimated at 55.91 million people. The black African population is in the majority at 45.11 million and constituted approximately 81% of the total population. The white population is estimated at 4.52 million‚ the coloured population at 4.90 million and the Indian/Asian population at 1.39 million. Just over 51% (28.53 million) of the population is female. Lehohla said life conditions and health conditions were improving in SA‚ but the question for those who lived longer was‚ what was the use of living a long‚ but miserable life. "Life can be miserable. What we know is that life that has work‚ has play‚ and that passes on to the next generation better is worth living‚" Lehohla said. He said history had proven that irrespective of income levels‚ a life expectancy of 70 was achievable. "The fact that people will live long puts a very serious question on the table. Will they live for 15 years without being productive?" Lehohla said the challenge was ensuring that black people get more educated. "Twenty-two years‚ it is almost a generation. That war is not being won‚ especially when you look at progression ratios in tertiary education. "The question is how do we raise standards of living for black people?"He said there should be more black people who were acquiring post-matric qualifications."These are the things we should be focusing on‚" Lehohla said. - TMG Digital..
There’s never been a more important time to support independent media.
From World War 1 to present-day cosmopolitan South Africa and beyond, the Sunday Times has been a pillar in covering the stories that matter to you.
For just R80 you can become a premium member (digital access) and support a publication that has played an important political and social role in South Africa for over a century of Sundays. You can cancel anytime.
Already subscribed? Sign in below.
Questions or problems? Email helpdesk@timeslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00.