South Africa’s Unemployment Rate Climbs to 33.6%, Highest in Four Years

South Africa’s unemployment crisis has deepened, with the country’s official unemployment rate rising to 33.6% in the second quarter of 2026, according to the latest figures released by Statistics South Africa.

The rate increased from 32.7% recorded in the first quarter, marking the highest level in four years and highlighting the continued challenges facing the country’s labour market.

Statistics South Africa reported that the number of unemployed people rose to approximately 8.48 million between April and June, compared with 8.14 million in the January-March period.

South Africa’s official unemployment rate has remained above 30% for more than five years, leaving the country with one of the highest unemployment levels globally.

The latest figures showed that job losses were spread across much of the economy. Employment declined in seven of the 10 sectors monitored by Statistics South Africa during the quarter, with community and social services recording the largest decline.

Mining, agriculture and manufacturing also experienced employment losses, while the trade, construction and finance sectors recorded increases in the number of people employed.

The broader unemployment measure, which includes people who have stopped actively looking for work, also edged higher. The expanded unemployment rate rose to 43.8% in the second quarter from 43.7% in the first quarter.

Young South Africans and Black women continue to face some of the country’s most severe employment challenges, underscoring persistent inequalities in access to jobs and economic opportunities.

The latest figures also come as South Africa’s coalition government, formed in 2024, continues to face pressure to deliver stronger economic growth and create more employment. While the government has introduced economic reforms and the economy has recorded modest growth, the pace of job creation remains a major concern.

The rise in unemployment highlights the gap between economic recovery and improvements in household livelihoods. For millions of South Africans, particularly young people, stronger economic growth will need to translate into sustained job creation before the country’s unemployment crisis begins to ease significantly.