Estimates of Net Internal Migration for South Africa, 1991-2006

Migration is an important component of population change in South Africa. Unfortunately, like in most countries, reliable data on migration is difficult to collect. The aim of this study is to estimate net internal migration for provinces in South Africa using indirect procedure called Census Survival Ratio Method (CSRM). This method is underutilized in demographic research in the country. The results indicate that during the intercensal period 1996-2001, Gauteng and Western Cape were the major receiving provinces whereas the other remaining provinces were the sending provinces in the country. The results are consistent with findings based on other estimation procedures and correspond to nature of social and economic development in the country. One policy implication of the study is that efforts should continue being made to make the sending provinces more attractive so as to reduce the inflow of people to the crowded and more affluent provinces of Gauteng and Western Cape.