Inclusive economies: Findings from the GCRO's Quality of Life survey 7 (2023/24)

This Data Brief presents results from the GCRO's Quality of Life 7 survey (2023/24) on variables that relate to economic inclusion in Gauteng.

HEADLINE FINDINGS

• Of the working age population in the GCRO’s Quality of Life 7 (2023/24) Survey (QoL 7), 53% are employed, 30% are unemployed and searching for work, 2% are unemployed and have given up looking for work and 14% are not economically active (Figure 1).
• Proportions of unemployment are higher among lower income groups, Black African respondents, females, those with incomplete education and the youth (18 to 35 years) (Figure 2).
• Of the total survey sample, 13% of respondents reported owning businesses (Figure 4). Over half (57%) of businesses in the survey are unregistered. When comparing these proportions at a municipal level, business owners in Midvaal (59%) and Mogale City (57%) are the most likely to register their businesses (Figure 5).
• Across the province, half of respondents indicated that at least one person in the household received a social grant of any type. When comparing the population groups, the proportion is higher for Black African (54%) and Coloured (52%) households (Figure 8).
• Respondents were asked whether ‘there should be a specific social grant for people who are unemployed’. Results show that 66% of respondents in Gauteng strongly agree or agree with the above statement (Figure 9).
• A high proportion of respondents in the survey find it difficult to save money (66%) and borrow money in case of an emergency (61%) (Table 2). This is more likely for low income groups and female respondents (Figure 10).
• Low income groups use a higher proportion of their income on transport (Figure 13).
• Low- and middle-income earners and Black African and Coloured respondents tend to hold clothing or furniture account and informal money lender debt (Figures 18 and 19). Higher-income earners and White and Indian/Asian respondents tend to hold home and student loan debt (Figures 20 and 21).