Job crisis deepens: SA unemployment soars to 33.2% as youth face staggering jobless rate
South Africa's unemployment rate increases to 33.2% in Q2 2025, with only 19,000 new jobs created despite 159,000 more people entering the workforce.
The latest Quarterly Labour Force Survey (QLFS) from Stats SA has cast a gloomy shadow over South Africa's economic prospects, revealing a concerning increase in the unemployment rate to 33.2% in Q2 2025.
This upward trend is a stark reminder of the country's persistent struggles with job creation and labour market instability.
According to a report by BusinessTech, 159,000 more people entered the workforce between April and June 2025 but only 19,000 were employed, while 140,000 were unemployed.
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The youth unemployment rate remains a pressing concern, with 62.4% of those aged 15-24 without jobs, highlighting the need for targeted youth employment programmes.
Long-term unemployment is rampant, with 76.5% of unemployed persons having been without work for a year or more, emphasising the importance of addressing skills erosion and psychological impacts.
Gauteng (95,000) and Eastern Cape (89,000) saw significant employment increases, while Western Cape (-117,000), KwaZulu-Natal (-86,000) and Northern Cape (-28,000) experienced notable decreases.
The unemployment crisis demands a unified response from government, business and labour. Policymakers must prioritise job creation, skills development and social support systems to mitigate the effects of unemployment and stimulate economic growth.
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