Johannesburg - The Census 2011 was a vital planning
instrument, Business Unity SA (Busa) said on Wednesday.
"While the census identifies the progress made to date
in socioeconomic upliftment, it also confirms the significant challenges that still
remain in addressing unemployment, poverty and inequality," it said in a
statement.
The census, released on Tuesday, found that less than a
third of South Africans had completed matric.
White-headed households earned on average about six times
more than their black counterparts, at R365 134 per annum, compared to R60 613.
Female-headed households earned on average R67 330 in 2011,
compared to R128 329 for their male counterparts.
Busa said the census provided a base for planning and
targeted development.
"In particular, SA’s young population emphasises the
significance of education and youth employment schemes as policy
priorities," Busa said.
According to the census, nearly 60% of the population was
under the age of 35. Almost a third of the population was younger than four.
This population information better equipped South Africa to
achieve the goals of the National Development Plan and work towards a shared
vision for South Africa in 2030.
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