73% of SA's adult population earn below R6 000 per month, Research reveals.

Loading player...
GUEST – Professor Carel van Aardt - Bureau of Market Research’s research director

Income inequality in South Africa is again demonstrated by the findings of a report on personal income estimates that found that 73.7% of the adult population earns below R73 351 per year (less than about R6 110 per month), while only 3.3% earns more than R625 992 per year (about R52 170 per month).

The Household Wealth Research Division of the Bureau of Market Research’s report on personal income estimates for South Africa from 2018 to 2022 shows a clear picture of income inequality with low income earners accounting for 10% of cash flow income, while the high-income earners earn 44.8%, while 23% of the adult population relies mainly on grants as cash flow income source. The most alarming finding is that 32.1% of the adult (older than 15) population does not receive any form of cash flow income, instead depending on in-kind transfers and support from friends and relatives.

Women are also getting the short end of the stick with income inequality. The report shows that although there is an almost equal gender population distribution between females and males, females remain at the lower end in relation to the cash flow income earnings. It is estimated that 47.3% of the adult population are male but earn 58.5% of the cash flow income in the country.
15 Aug 2023 4PM English South Africa Business News · Investing

Other recent episodes

Paymenow data shows SA workers lose 40% of purchasing power.

A new Paymenow analysis shows South African workers have lost more than 40% of their purchasing power over the past decade—even as headline inflation stayed within target. Rene Richter, Reward & Benefits Lead Advisor at Paymenow, joins Kaya Biz to unpack why wages aren’t keeping up, how transport and utilities…
21 May 2PM 10 min

Oceana H1 Results: Lucky Star Shines as Fishmeal Stumbles

Oceana Group has delivered a resilient set of interim results despite a 6% drop in revenue. Lucky Star and Wild Caught Seafood carried the half‑year, while Fishmeal & Fish Oil struggled under weak catch volumes and global pricing pressure. CFO Zaf Mahomed joins Kaya Biz to break down margins, cash…
21 May 2PM 18 min

Inside Investec’s Strong 2026 SA Performance

Investec SA has delivered a robust full‑year performance in a tough macro environment. CEO Cumesh Moodliar joins Kaya Biz to unpack the 5.2% rise in SA operating profit, strong momentum in specialist banking, wealth inflows, digital transformation, and what the bank expects from the South African economy heading into 2027.
21 May 2PM 13 min

Stats SA Explains April’s Sharp Inflation Rise to 4%

South Africa’s inflation rate surged to 4.0% in April, driven by fuel, transport, and housing pressures. Stats SA’s Patrick Kelly unpacks the numbers, the 1.1% month‑on‑month spike, and what’s behind the dramatic swing in transport inflation. We explore regional differences, goods vs. services inflation, and what this means for households…
20 May 4PM 11 min

4% Inflation and the SARB’s Next Move

With inflation back at 4% and oil‑driven risks rising, the SARB faces a critical decision next week. Economist Sifiso Skenjana unpacks the April CPI print, the credibility of the new 3% target, and whether a rate hike is now on the table. We discuss real interest rates, global financial conditions,…
20 May 4PM 15 min