South Africa’s official unemployment rate fell to 31.4% in the fourth quarter of 2025, according to the latest Quarterly Labour Force Survey (QLFS) released by Statistics South Africa.
Employment increased by 44,000 to 17.1 million, while the number of unemployed people declined by 172,000.
Stats SA Director for the QLFS, Dihlolelo Phoshoko, said the formal sector recorded the largest gains.
“Employment increased in industries such as community and social services, construction, and finance, while declines were recorded in trade and manufacturing,” Phoshoko said.
Acting Government Spokesperson Nomonde Mnukwa said the figures highlight ongoing pressures in the labour market, particularly among youth and discouraged jobseekers.
“These figures show where labour market pressures persist, with young people and discouraged jobseekers remaining vulnerable,” Mnukwa said.
Western Cape Premier Alan Winde pointed to provincial data showing the Western Cape’s unemployment rate at 18.1%, with strong job growth in trade, agriculture, and construction.
“The Western Cape remains the province with the lowest unemployment rate in the country. These figures show that while the labour market is shifting, challenges remain for young people,” Winde said.
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