South Africa’s unemployment crisis has worsened, with the official unemployment rate increasing to 33.6% in the second quarter.
The latest figures from Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) show that employment declined slightly during the quarter, while the number of unemployed people increased, pushing the overall unemployment rate higher.
The country’s labour force also expanded, with an additional 121,000 people entering the job market in search of employment.
At the same time, fewer people became discouraged from looking for work, suggesting that more South Africans are actively participating in the labour market despite limited employment opportunities.
The latest figures highlight the continued pressure on South Africa’s economy to create jobs for its growing working-age population.
The increase in labour force participation, coupled with the decline in employment, points to a labour market that remains under significant strain, with millions of South Africans still struggling to secure jobs.
The figures are likely to renew concerns about the country’s ability to generate sufficient employment opportunities and absorb new entrants into the workforce.