For previous generations, having children was often seen as a natural part of adulthood. You finished school, built a career, got married and started a family. But that timeline seems to be changing.

 

A 2026 study published in the South African Medical Journal found that births recorded in South Africa’s public-sector healthcare facilities fell by 20% between 2021 and 2025. More South Africans are choosing to have children later in life, while others are questioning whether parenthood is something they want at all.

 

My 20-year-old cousin recently told me she doesn’t plan on having children until she’s 40. And honestly, she’s not alone. The rising cost of housing, childcare and education, changing career priorities and evolving ideas about relationships are all influencing the way people think about starting a family.

 

What’s the biggest factor influencing your decision about having children: money, your career, your relationship, or simply not wanting them?

For previous generations, having children was often seen as a natural part of adulthood. You finished school, built a career, got married and started a family.&nbsp;But that timeline seems to be changing.
&nbsp;
A 2026 study published in the South African Medical Journal found that births recorded in South Africa&rsquo;s public-sector healthcare facilities fell by 20% between 2021 and 2025. More South Africans are choosing to have children later in life, while others are questioning whether parenthood is something they want at all.
&nbsp;
My 20-year-old cousin recently told me she doesn&rsquo;t plan on having children until she&rsquo;s 40. And honestly, she&rsquo;s not alone.&nbsp;The rising cost of housing, childcare and education, changing career priorities and evolving ideas about relationships are all influencing the way people think about starting a family.
&nbsp;
What&rsquo;s the biggest factor influencing your decision about having children: money, your career, your relationship, or simply not wanting them?

Hosted by the vivacious Stephanie Be, get a different flavour on 5 Mid Mornings. Current affairs, updates, news, views and all things entertainment!

Hosted by the vivacious Stephanie Be, get a different flavour on 5 Mid Mornings.

5 Mid Mornings

5 Mid Mornings with Karabo, weekdays from 9h00 to 12h00, now with Karabo Ntshweng at the helm, blends music, conversation, and high-energy audience interaction, reflecting the fast-paced lives of young professionals and students – a fresh, relatable voice balancing ambition, wellness, career growth and socially active living.

5 Mid Mornings with Karabo, weekdays from 9h00 to 12h00, now with Karabo Ntshweng at the helm, blends music, conversation, and high-energy audience interaction, reflecting the fast-paced lives of young professionals and students &ndash; a fresh, relatable voice balancing ambition, wellness, career growth and socially active living.