South Africa’s Jobless Rate Climbs to 33.7% as 70,000 More People Stop Looking for Work

South Africa’s unemployment rate has edged higher to 33.7% in the third quarter of 2026, according to new figures released on Tuesday. The increase from 33.6% in the previous quarter comes as more people leave the labour force after failing to find work.

Statistics South Africa’s Quarterly Labour Force Survey shows that the number of employed people rose by 101,000 to 16.8 million between July and September. At the same time, the number of unemployed people increased by 97,000 to 8.6 million. This pushed the total labour force up by 198,000 people.

The survey also recorded a rise of 70,000 in the number of discouraged work-seekers, bringing the total to 3.7 million. These are people who are available to work but have stopped actively looking because they believe no jobs are available. The growth in discouraged workers helped keep the official unemployment rate high even though some new jobs were created.

Most of the new jobs came in the formal sector, which added 268,000 positions to reach 12.3 million. Finance, manufacturing and mining were the main industries that gained workers. However, losses in other areas offset much of the progress. The informal sector shed 98,000 jobs, while private households lost 68,000 positions. Employment also fell in agriculture and construction.

Young people continue to face the toughest conditions. The unemployment rate for those aged 15 to 24 rose to 63.6%, with only about one in ten people in this age group currently employed. Graduates generally fare better than those without a matric, but many still struggle to enter the job market after finishing their studies.

The latest numbers continue a pattern seen throughout 2026, with the official unemployment rate rising in each quarter of the year. South Africa has long recorded one of the highest jobless rates in the world, remaining above 30% for several years. The expanded unemployment rate, which includes discouraged work-seekers, now stands at 44%.

Stats SA released the figures on the same day the data was published. The survey is conducted every three months and is the main source used to track employment trends in the country. The next set of results is expected early next year.

Source: https://x.com/eNCA/status/2120086416227029205?a=L5pVxJoJ70r37i_Vw7o&s=19

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