SA Reports Major Gains in Access to Water, Electricity and Housing Over Two Decades

According to the survey, access to formal housing has increased substantially since 2002.

South Africa has recorded significant improvements in household access to electricity, water, sanitation, housing and digital connectivity over the past 23 years, according to findings from the 2025 General Household Survey (GHS) released by Statistics South Africa.

The Government has welcomed the results, saying the report demonstrates continued progress in improving living conditions through long-term investment in infrastructure, public services, housing, education and social development programmes.

In a statement released on Tuesday, the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) said the survey highlights how democratic South Africa has steadily expanded access to essential services for millions of households across the country.

Improvements in Housing and Basic Services

According to the survey, access to formal housing has increased substantially since 2002.

The proportion of households living in formal dwellings rose to 84.2% in 2025, compared with 73.5% in 2002 — an increase of 10.7 percentage points.

Electricity access has also expanded significantly over the same period. The survey found that:

• 90.6% of households had access to electricity in 2025

• Up from 76.7% in 2002

The report also noted a decline in reliance on traditional fuels, reflecting broader electrification efforts and improvements in household energy access.

Access to Water and Sanitation Continues to Improve

The survey highlighted major progress in sanitation and water services.

Access to improved sanitation facilities — including flush toilets and ventilated pit toilets — increased from 61.7% in 2002 to 84.0% in 2025.

Government said these improvements reflect sustained investment in municipal infrastructure and coordinated service delivery initiatives across national, provincial and local government structures.

"Government is particularly encouraged by improvements in household infrastructure and living standards, including increased access to formal dwellings and the continued reduction in the use of unsafe and inadequate sanitation facilities," the GCIS said.

"These gains are the result of sustained public investment and coordinated service delivery efforts across all spheres of government."

Growing Digital Connectivity Across Households

The report also found that household access to internet services and mobile communication technologies has continued to grow, reflecting South Africa's increasing digital connectivity.

Government said expanded digital access is playing an important role in improving communication, economic participation, access to information and service delivery.

The survey reflects broader efforts to reduce the digital divide and support greater inclusion in the digital economy.

Social Grants Remain Critical Safety Net

The findings also highlighted the continued importance of South Africa's social support system in protecting vulnerable households from poverty and economic hardship.

According to the report:

• Social grants reached 39.5% of individuals in 2025

• 50.6% of households benefited from grants

• Nearly one-quarter (23.4%) of households relied on grants as a primary source of income

Government said the figures demonstrate the critical role social assistance programmes continue to play in supporting millions of South Africans amid ongoing economic pressures.

Government Says Survey Supports Better Planning

The GCIS said the survey provides important evidence that helps government improve planning, allocate resources more effectively, and strengthen public service delivery.

"Importantly, the findings bear testament to a government that is working and provide evidence that enables the government to continuously improve planning, resource allocation and service delivery interventions," the statement said.

Ongoing Challenges Remain

Despite the progress highlighted in the survey, Government acknowledged that many South Africans continue to face significant socio-economic difficulties, including unemployment, poverty and inequality.

"While progress has been made, government acknowledges that many South Africans continue to face socio-economic challenges and reiterates that it remains focused on addressing these challenges through targeted reforms, infrastructure development, economic recovery measures and partnerships aimed at improving livelihoods and creating sustainable opportunities for all citizens," the GCIS said.

The General Household Survey is one of South Africa's key national data collection exercises and is used to monitor living conditions, access to services, and social development trends across the country.