South Africa’s unemployment rate has climbed to its highest level in four years, with the number of unemployed people rising to 8.5 million as the country’s fragile economic recovery continues to struggle to generate jobs. The latest Quarterly Labour Force Survey covers the period from April to June 2026.
Statistics South Africa said on Tuesday that the official unemployment rate rose to 33.6% in the second quarter of 2026, up from 32.7% in the first quarter. The number of unemployed people increased by 345,000 during the quarter to 8.5 million, while the number of employed people fell by 16,000 to 16.7 million.
As a result, South Africa’s labour force expanded by 329,000, or 1.3%, during the quarter, while the labour absorption rate declined to 39.6%. The latest figures represent a further deterioration in South Africa’s labour market after unemployment increased from 31.4% in the fourth quarter of 2025 to 32.7% in the first quarter of 2026.
The weak labour market also comes against the backdrop of persistent tensions surrounding foreign-owned businesses and migrants in South Africa. The country has experienced repeated episodes of anti-foreigner sentiment and xenophobic attacks, affecting foreign nationals and businesses, including some Nigerian-owned enterprises.
The worsening unemployment rate could also fuel renewed debate over the country’s treatment of foreign investors and entrepreneurs, particularly as Nigerian business owners and other foreign nationals continue to face concerns over xenophobic attacks and hostility.
