South Africa's jobless total hits 8.2 million

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South Africa’s unemployment rate has risen sharply to 32.9% in the first quarter of 2025, up from 31.9% at the end of 2024 – marking a full 1 percentage point increase, according to the latest Quarterly Labour Force Survey (QLFS) released by Statistics South Africa (Stats SA).

The increase means that 291 000more South Africans are now unemployed, bringing the total number of jobless individuals to 8.2 million.

Youth unemployment crisis deepens

The report places a spotlight on the youth unemployment crisis, with provinces like North Westand the Eastern Cape particularly hard hit.

North West: Youth unemployment stands at a staggering 58.8%, with only 43% of young people (aged 15 to 34) active in the labour market
Eastern Cape: Youth unemployment is 54.3%, and labour force participation among youth is the lowest in the country at 39.8%

These statistics underline the growing challenges young South Africans face in accessing job opportunities – from lack of skills to limited local economic activity.

Discouraged job seekers, shifting inactivity

The QLFS also found that while 206 000 fewer students were classified as economically inactive in early 2025, the number of discouraged work seekers – people who have stopped looking for work altogether – increased by 7 000.

The rising unemployment rate, combined with the increase in discouraged work seekers, reflects a worsening job market and growing disillusionment, particularly among young and rural populations.

Policy implications and national concerns

The sharp rise in unemployment comes amid intensified calls for government intervention to stimulate job creation and economic inclusion, particularly for the youth.

Economists warn that without targeted policies to address skills development, entrepreneurship, and public sector hiring, structural unemployment will remain entrenched – threatening South Africa’s long-term economic stability.

As the government prepares its 2025 Budget Review, labour analysts and civil society groups are urging stronger investments in youth employment programmes, infrastructure development, and education-to-work transitions.

“The data shows a labour market under severe strain,” said one labour economist.

“Without a major policy shift, South Africa risks locking another generation out of the economy.”