Discovering the poor in the midst of the rich in South Africa

Princelle Dasappa-Venketsamy, Statistics South Africa
Collen Motsepa, Statistics South Africa

Poverty is a persistent problem in South Africa. Poverty alleviation can only be effectively directed by awareness of spatial distribution. South Africa is in a prime position to reap the benefits of the demographic dividend however, unemployment, inflation, inequality and poverty are still on the rise. This study determines the spatial variation of poverty in South Africa for 2001 and 2011. The study will also specifically explore areas that are poor (HL areas), but surrounded by rich areas (LL areas). The data used was obtained from the South African Multidimensional Poverty Index (SAMPI). In 2001, there were 157 (3,68%) HL areas. This decreased to 118 (2,76%) in 2011. Whilst there is a national decrease of HL areas, there is an increase in four provinces. The largest increase in is in Gauteng. The policy implications of these findings present important associations for targeting poor areas that are close to rich areas.