As South Africa marks Youth Month, new data from Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) reveals that while most young people consider themselves healthy and happy, many continue to face financial pressures and rely increasingly on public healthcare services.
According to Stats SA’s latest data story, Understanding Health Patterns Among South Africa’s Youth, South Africans aged between 15 and 34 make up a significant portion of the country’s population, with 20,8 million youth out of a total population of 63,1 million in 2025.
Despite the challenges they face, more than 90% of young people rated their health as good or excellent across two national surveys. Fewer than 10% described their health as fair, while less than 5% considered it poor. The data also points to an improvement in overall wellbeing. The proportion of young people who described themselves as happy increased from 36,8% in 2014/15 to 41,7% in 2022/23, while nearly 30% reported feeling happier overall.
However, access to private healthcare appears to be declining. Medical aid coverage among youth fell from 12,5% in 2014/15 to 9,9% in 2022/23, meaning a growing number of young South Africans depend on public health facilities for their healthcare needs. At the same time, the use of public clinics increased from 68,9% to 75%.
The report also highlights the health risks that continue to affect young people. Tuberculosis, HIV-related illnesses and assault remain the three leading underlying causes of death among South Africans aged 15 to 34 years. On a more encouraging note, Stats SA found a general decline in teenage births between 2023 and 2024, suggesting progress in reproductive health awareness and access to services.
The analysis draws on several national datasets, including the Mid-Year Population Estimates (2025), Living Conditions Survey (2014/15), Income and Expenditure Survey (2022/23), Recorded Live Births 2023 and 2024, and Morta-lity and Causes of Death reports for 2022 and 2023.
While the findings paint a picture of a generation that is largely optimistic about its health and wellbeing, the report notes that many young South Africans continue to navigate everyday challenges shaped by financial pressures and limited access to quality healthcare, underlining the importance of targeted interventions to build a healthier and more resilient future. (MALISSA SPIES)
More SA youth rely on public clinics as medical aid declines
Generic photo