empty
 
 

12.05.202609:00:00UTC+00South Africa’s Unemployment Climbs to 32.7% in Q1 2026, Reversing Late-2025 Improvement

South Africa’s unemployment rate rose to 32.70% in the first quarter of 2026, up from 31.40% recorded in the fourth quarter of 2025. The latest figures, updated on 12 May 2026, indicate a renewed deterioration in labour market conditions after a brief improvement at the end of last year.

The shift marks a significant setback for Africa’s most industrialised economy, where joblessness remains one of the central structural challenges. The increase between the fourth quarter of 2025 and the first quarter of 2026 underscores the continued difficulty in absorbing workers into formal employment and sustaining any gains made in previous quarters.

With the unemployment rate now back on an upward trajectory, attention is likely to focus on policy measures aimed at stimulating job creation and strengthening the resilience of the labour market in the face of ongoing economic pressures.

  • Grand Choice
    Contest by
    InstaForex
    InstaForex always strives to help you
    fulfill your biggest dreams.
    JOIN CONTEST
  • Chancy Deposit
    Deposit your account with $3,000 and get $9000 more!
    In May we raffle $9000 within the Chancy Deposit campaign!
    Get a chance to win by depositing $3,000 to a trading account. Having fulfilled this condition, you become a campaign participant.
    JOIN CONTEST
  • Trade Wise, Win Device
    Top up your account with at least $500, sign up for the contest, and get a chance to win mobile devices.
    JOIN CONTEST
  • 30% Bonus
    Receive a 30% bonus every time you top up your account
    GET BONUS


Can't speak right now?
Ask your question in the chat.
Widget callback