Population size
According to Statistics South Africa (Community Survey 2016), eEmalahleni’s population has increased from 395 466 people recorded in the Census of 2011 to 455 228 people recorded in 2016. These figures represent the third largest population in the province after City of Mbombela and Bushbuckridge municipalities. In the Nkangala district, 31.5% of total population of Nkangala reside in Emalahleni municipal area as of 2016. The population of municipality increased by 59 762 between 2011 and 2016.
Emalahleni recorded a population growth rate of 3.2% per annum between the periods of 2011 and 2016. Due to the rate in which the population is increasing and the challenges it presents in the planning structures, the municipality in partnership with external stakeholders and industries has plans to minimise the housing backlog, creating employment opportunities and develop skills.
Given the annual growth rate of 3.2% in the area roughly the population number, for 2019 is estimated at 500 343 and 2030 it is estimated that the municipality will have to deal with at least more or less 707 530 people given the historic population growth per annum. This will put pressure on infrastructure development, service delivery & eventually sustainable job creation.
Increase in population might be due to mining industries and businesses around, which result in:
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Informal settlements and back rooms– estimated 10 000 people residing in these areas (Increase in informal housing).
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Water supply to informal settlements and the residents are not contributing to the cost of these services (no revenue from the expenditure).
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Strain on water, sanitation , electricity and roads resulting in quality and capacityproblems (backlog on water and sanitiation)
Figure 1: eMalahleni population from 1996-2016
