Some patterns of internal migration in North West Province, South Africa, 1996-2001

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.