Pretoria, August 13 – Unemployment in South Africa rose above 33% in the second quarter, marking the highest level in the past two years. Additionally, the number of unemployed individuals reached its highest point in 16 years. The data was released by the South African Statistics Office, with reports from Reuters and Trading Economics.
The unemployment rate in South Africa reached 33.5% during the April to June period, up from 32.9% in the first quarter of the year. This result surprised analysts, who had expected a slight decrease in unemployment to 32.3%. The latest figures represent the highest unemployment rate in the country since the second quarter of 2022, when it reached 33.9%.
The number of unemployed people increased by 158,000, bringing the total to 8.38 million, the highest number since relevant data collection began in 2008.
Using the broader definition of unemployment, which includes individuals not actively seeking work, the unemployment rate in South Africa for the second quarter stood at 42.6%, up from 41.9% in the first quarter.
The rise in unemployment, one of the highest rates globally, was driven by declines in several economic sectors. Job losses were recorded in trade, agriculture, finance, and construction.
Youth unemployment also deteriorated, exceeding 60%. The unemployment rate among those aged 15 to 24 reached 60.8% in the second quarter, the highest in over a year, up from 59.7% in the first quarter.
Tables: Key Unemployment Indicators in South Africa
Overall Unemployment Rate
| Indicator | Q2 2024 | Q1 2024 | Change (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unemployment Rate | 33.5% | 32.9% | +0.6% |
| Number of Unemployed | 8.38 million | 8.22 million | +158,000 |
Broader Unemployment (Including Non-Job Seekers)
| Indicator | Q2 2024 | Q1 2024 | Change (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Broader Unemployment Rate | 42.6% | 41.9% | +0.7% |
Youth Unemployment
| Indicator | Q2 2024 | Q1 2024 | Change (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Youth Unemployment Rate (Aged 15-24) | 60.8% | 59.7% | +1.1% |
