Some patterns of internal migration in North West Province, South Africa, 1996-2001
Abstract
Migration is an important component of population change in North West province of South
Africa. Unfortunately, reliable data on migration is difficult to collect. The aim of this study is
to provide estimates of net internal migration for North West province using indirect
estimation procedure based on survival ratios. This method has been under-utilised in
demographic research in the country. The results indicate that during the intercensal period
1996-2001 North West province experienced net out-migration. There are migration
differentials by region, municipalities and gender. Bojanala and Southern regions experienced
net in-migration whereas Central and Bophirima regions experienced net out-migration. The
above migration patterns resemble the nature of social and economic development in the
province. One policy implication of the study is that efforts should continue being made to
make the sending municipalities more attractive so as to reduce the inflow of people to the
crowded and more affluent municipalities.