Unemployment
Unemployment is the economic condition in which people who are able and willing to work cannot find jobs. It is measured as the unemployment rate, which expresses the number of unemployed people as a percentage of the total labour force. The labour force comprises all people of working age who are either employed or actively seeking employment. Unemployment is a key indicator of economic health and social stability, reflecting the economy's capacity to generate sufficient jobs for its population. High unemployment rates signal economic distress, reduced consumer spending, lower tax revenues and increased social welfare costs. Conversely, low unemployment typically indicates a robust economy with strong demand for labour. Unemployment can be classified into several types: structural unemployment, caused by mismatches between workers' skills and job requirements; cyclical unemployment, driven by economic downturns; frictional unemployment, arising from the time lag between jobs; and seasonal unemployment, linked to industries with fluctuating demand. In South Africa, unemployment has been a persistent challenge, with rates among the highest globally, driven by factors including skills shortages, slow economic growth, labour market rigidities and the legacy of apartheid-era education and economic policies. Governments typically address unemployment through job creation programmes, skills development initiatives, support for small and medium enterprises, infrastructure investment and policies to stimulate economic growth. Statistics South Africa is the official body responsible for measuring and reporting unemployment data in the country.
Unemployment Updates
SACP pledges its solidarity with Cosatu following the adjournment of its National Congress
18th September 2026 The South African Communist Party (SACP) notes the adjournment on Tuesday, 15 September 2026, of the 15th National Congress of the Congress of... →
Share the strategy
By: Terence Creamer 18th September 2026 Most South African manufacturers, besides those few companies benefitting from market tailwinds linked to the deadly conflict disrupting shipping... →
DA notes USA’s visa restriction over SA policy failure
16th September 2026 The Democratic Alliance (DA) notes a decision taken by the government of the United States of America (USA) to impose new visa restrictions on... →
EFF Local Government Elections Manifesto 2026
15th September 2026 The 2026 local government elections stand as one of the most decisive moments in the history of our democracy. Our people face a growing crisis of... →
Godongwana highlights infrastructure’s growth potential as DBSA disbursements rise to R20.7bn
By: Terence Creamer 14th September 2026 The Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) reported record disbursements of R20.7-billion in 2025/26, up from R17.5-billion in the prior year,... →
What the BRICS Summit Will Test About South Africa’s Influence
By: South African Institute of International Affairs 11th September 2026 Ahead of the 18th BRICS Summit, Gustavo de Carvalho shares five insights into how South Africa builds diplomatic influence and the limits of... →
Hands on
By: Terence Creamer 11th September 2026 Admissions by Bill Gates about various personal indiscretions – notably his association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein – have raised... →
SACP in solidarity with workers at Adcock Ingram as they oppose the company’s plan to retrench workers
10th September 2026 The South African Communist Party (SACP) stands in firm solidarity with workers at Adcock Ingram following the company’s plans to retrench up to... →
Solidarity presents ‘race-free by 2030’ roadmap to European, Dutch Parliaments
By: Thabi Shomolekae 9th September 2026 Trade union Solidarity has submitted a comprehensive report proposing a roadmap for a race-free South Africa by 2030 to the Dutch Parliament. The... →
Non-racial by 2030
9th September 2026 Solidarity today submitted its report, a proposed roadmap for a race-free South Africa by 2030, to the Dutch parliament. The report was also... →
