South Africa’s Unemployment Crisis Deepens

South Africa’s un-employment crisis remains a major national concern after the official unemployment rate increased to 33.6% in the second quarter of 2026, up from 32.7% in the first quarter. The latest figures mean about 8.5 million people are unemployed.
Young people are particularly affected. The youth unemployment rate rose to 47.4%, meaning almost one in every two young people in the labour force is without a job.
The figures are putting renewed pressure on government and businesses to accelerate economic growth, attract investment and create sustainable employment opportunities. President Cyril Ramaphosa has said South Africa needs stronger economic growth to change the country’s jobs outlook.
With unemployment remaining above 30%, job creation is likely to remain one of South Africa’s most important economic and political challenges.