The latest figures from Statistics SA highlight the ongoing strain in the country’s labour market.

According to the report, the number of unemployed people rose by 237 000, bringing the total to an estimated 8.2 million. The data points to growing challenges for job seekers, particularly young people and those in rural areas, amid slow economic growth and limited job creation.

The expanded definition of unemployment, which includes individuals who are not actively searching for work but are still available for employment, climbed to 43.1%, a rise of 1.2 percentage points. This broader measure captures the depth of the job crisis and the level of discouragement among potential workers.

Provincially, the North West recorded the highest expanded unemployment rate at 56%, underscoring the persistent lack of opportunities in some parts of the country. Structural barriers, limited investment, and ongoing service delivery issues have all contributed to the province’s bleak employment outlook.

Economists say the new figures should serve as a wake-up call for policymakers. Without significant intervention to stimulate economic activity and support small businesses, the country risks entrenching long-term unemployment and deepening social inequality.

--ChannelAfrica--