The mortality rate in South Africa has more than doubled since 1985, but birth rates have decreased, the SA Institute for Race Relations (SAIRR) said on Tuesday.
"In 1985, there were 1 060 000 births and 259 000 deaths in South Africa," according to the SAIRR's latest SA Survey.
"In 2011 there were about the same number of births as in 1985, yet more than double the number of deaths (599 000)."
Births reached a peak in 1996 but had since decreased, and were expected to continue decreasing.
According to data from Statistics SA, deaths as a proportion of the population increased from 0.8% in 1997 to 1.2% in 2008.
Furthermore, the Institute for Futures Research projected a mortality rate increase of 17% between 2010 and 2040.
Last year Stats SA said the population was estimated at 50.59 million.
SAIRR said the birth rate decreased from 26.1 births per 1 000 people to 21 in 2011. The Actuarial Society of SA expected it to drop further to 18 by 2025.
The increased death rate showed the negative effects of HIV/Aids. The declining birth rate reflected an international trend, said institute researcher Thuthukani Ndebele.
Ndebele felt this was linked to improved education, living standards, and access to contraception.
"Deaths are edging closer to births at a rapid rate, ultimately leading to slowed population growth," Ndebele said.
Just R20 for the first month. Support independent journalism by subscribing to our digital news package. 
