South Africa’s population has grown by more than 50% since 1994, while economic growth and job creation have struggled to keep pace. This paper examines how demographic change may have compounded income inequality. Comparing three scenarios, it finds that stronger economic growth would have made the greatest difference to output per person, but slower population growth would also have had a material effect. It calls for population trends to be included in economic and employment planning.

South Africa’s proposed procurement rules do not bar white-owned businesses from all state contracts below R20 million, but their rigid 100% ownership requirements warrant scrutiny. This paper argues for an outcomes-based approach to transformation in which strong redress continues where disadvantage persists, while race-conscious measures progressively diminish as measurable equality, participation and economic capability improve.