Statistics SA is expected to publish its Quarterly Labour Force Survey on Tuesday, offering a snapshot of the country’s employment trends.

The previous report pointed to a modest improvement in job numbers, largely attributed to temporary positions created during the festive season. However, that momentum may not have carried through into the new year.

Economist Johannes Khosa from Nedbank’s Group Economic Unit says a small rise in the unemployment rate would not be surprising.

“The economy simply isn’t expanding fast enough to keep up with the growing number of people entering the job market,” he said. “Seasonal shifts also play a role; this is typically the time of year when new graduates and other job seekers begin looking for work.”

The quarterly survey is a key economic indicator, widely used to assess the state of South Africa’s labour market and inform policy decisions.

--SABC/ChannelAfrica--