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Economy

Black South Africans continue to bear the brunt of unemployment crisis

Date: May 14, 2025

The latest government data has reaffirmed that Black South Africans remain the most affected by the country’s persistent unemployment crisis, with their joblessness rate exceeding the already high national average.

In the first quarter of this year, South Africa’s (SA) unemployment rate increased by one percentage point to 32.9% of the workforce. However, among Black South Africans, who make up approximately 81% of the population, the jobless rate remains even higher.

Despite assertions from some White South Africans who cite economic hardship and exclusion due to policies like affirmative action and employment equity, the statistics show that Black South Africans continue to suffer disproportionately from joblessness. Particularly vulnerable in this trend are Black women, who face the highest unemployment rates among all demographic groups.

SA’s labour market has long struggled with structural challenges, and the new figures highlight the urgent need for inclusive economic reforms to bridge employment inequalities.

--SABC/ChannelAfrica--