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

Pivot Point — Dr Nishal Khusial on AI in SA

Dr Nishal Khusial explores the rise of AI in South Africa and the launch of the School of AI Africa. We explore what this technological shift means for jobs, digital security, and business transformation.
17 Apr 5AM 19 min

SA–US Relations: Reset, Risk or Realignment?

Professor Patrick Bond unpacks the latest diplomatic shifts between South Africa and the United States — from new ambassadorial appointments to tariff investigations and geopolitical tensions.
17 Apr 5AM 20 min

Financial Rules Before You Say “I Do”

BDO Wealth Financial planner Shaun Chennells explains why financial alignment is crucial before marriage. From antenuptial contracts to shared goals, debt transparency and long‑term planning
17 Apr 5AM 15 min

New Car Sales Surge Despite Fuel Price Pain

South Africans are buying cars at the fastest pace in a decade — even as fuel prices soar. BrandMapp’s Brandon de Kock explains the behavioural trends behind the surge and why Millennials are driving demand
15 Apr 5PM 12 min