Unemployment Rate
latest news & developments
Unemployment rate eases but structural crisis deepens
The decline brings the official rate to its lowest level since the Covid-19 shock pushed unemployment above 30%
South Africa’s unemployment rate eases to 31.4%
The employed population increased to 17.1 million, but youth unemployment rose to 43.8% in the fourth quarter of 2025
SA’s unemployment is not a statistical construct; it’s a real and painful hardship
For the millions of jobless people, this discussion is trivial
Fort Hare University: Lies and xenophobia distract from the jobs crisis
State disinvestment in public services, infrastructure and manufacturing ensured that millions would remain trapped in cycles of poverty, with or without immigration
SA’s unemployment rate edges up to 32.9%
Jobs were lost in the formal sector, as well as in trade, construction and private households
Unemployment rate eases to 31.9% as four industries add jobs
This marks the second consecutive drop in the jobless rate, and the lowest since the third quarter of 2023
Does South Africa’s call centre industry have the potential to combat unemployment?
Experts say many young people get into the industry out of sheer desperation
Saftu calls for a national shutdown on Wednesday to protest against high cost of living
Rival labour federation Cosatu has also called for a national protest
Sasol gas price hike ‘will hurt South African businesses, consumers’
Jump in price of gas to be challenged in court as controversy roils
Another record high as 7.9-million people remain jobless in South Africa
Record new high for unemployment in South Africa, as Stats SA releases jobs data for the fourth quarter of 2021
Covid steals jobs, equality from women
PwC’s Women in Work Index says governments and businesses must tackle causes of inequality
Rapid inoculation will decrease SA’s jobless rate
Research by retail bank BNP Paribas estimates that unemployment will linger for longer in emerging markets
Government misses the mark on the recovery plan
Government, labour, business and community have come up with a combined economic recovery plan amidst three others to help kickstart the economy. Some are new, while others are…
Students, your violence destroyed a man’s livelihood
While life goes on for the students at UniZulu, may they spare a thought for Ndumiso Ntsele whose only sin was to try to make an honest living in tough economic times
Sona will cast a spotlight on Ramaphosa (and the ANC’s) many problems
The president is facing challenges at every turn, among them the economy, the state of SOEs and factionalism within the ANC. Only if Ramaphosa and his party work together will…