Average life expectancy in South Africa is now 54 years – without AIDS, it is estimated that it would be 64. Over half of 15 year olds are not expected to reach the age of 60. (http://www.avert.org)

This week’s theme: AIDS in SA (was Holidays and leave)

87% of households that took a trip to Gauteng in the past 12 months stayed with friends or family. For those travelling to the Western Cape, the figure is 59%. (GHS 2006)

This week’s theme: Holidays and leave

50% of households that took a trip in the past 12 months travelled by taxi. 2.6% went by plane. (GHS 2006)

This week’s theme: Holidays and leave

86% of South African adults (16+) have never travelled by air (AMPS2007A)

This week’s theme: Holidays and leave

77% of domestic workers in South Africa do not get any paid leave. (LFS2006)

This week’s theme: Holidays and leave

100% of divorces begin with marriage. (Uncle Dave)

This week’s theme: Marriages and divorces

The Western Cape had the highest rate of marriage in 2005, at 614 per 100,000 of the population (Gauteng: 498). Gauteng had the highest rate of divorce at 944 per 100,000 married couples (Western Cape: 764). (StatsSA, Marriages and Divorces, 2005)

This week’s theme: Marriages and divorces

In 2005 51.7% of all recorded marriages were solemnised through civil rites. 32.7% were solemnised through religious rites. (StatsSA, Marriages and divorces 2005)

This week’s theme: Marriages and divorces

In 2005 the average age for first-time bridegrooms was 30 while the average age for first-time brides was 28.2 (StatsSA, Marriages and divorces 2005)

This week’s theme: Marriages and divorces

In 2005 there were 180,657 marriages and 32,484 divorces in South Africa. (StatsSA, Marriages and divorces 2005)

This week’s theme: Marriages and divorces