South Africa’s unemployment rate has climbed to 33.6%, with the latest labour force figures showing a rise in the number of people without work during the second quarter of 2026.
According to the Quarterly Labour Force Survey for April to June 2026, the official unemployment rate increased from 32.7% in the first quarter.
The number of unemployed people rose by 345 000 to 8.48 million, while the number of employed people declined by 16 000 to 16.74 million, with the
Eastern Cape hit especially hard.
At the same time, the labour force expanded by 329 000, reaching approximately 25.22 million people.
The employment-to-population ratio also edged lower to 39.6%, highlighting the continued difficulty many working-age South Africans face in finding employment — Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) (@StatsSA) August 11, 2026
Trade and construction add jobs
Despite the overall decline in employment, several sectors recorded gains during the quarter.
The trade sector added 70 000 jobs, while construction increased employment by 39 000.
These gains were offset by losses in several other industries.
Community and social services shed 57 000 jobs, while mining employment declined by 26 000.
Agriculture and manufacturing each recorded a loss of 15 000 jobs.
The latest figures underline the uneven performance of South Africa’s labour market, with job creation in some sectors failing to compensate for losses elsewhere.
Millions remain outside employment
The latest unemployment figures come against the backdrop of South Africa’s persistently high levels of joblessness, particularly among young people.
The country’s labour market continues to face structural challenges, including limited opportunities for first-time jobseekers and a large number of people who have become discouraged from looking for work.
The expanded measure of labour underutilisation remained at 46.3%, meaning almost half of the potential labour force is either unemployed, underemployed or has become discouraged from seeking work.
The latest figures are likely to add pressure on government to accelerate measures aimed at stimulating economic growth and creating sustainable employment.
For millions of South Africans, however, the latest quarter once again highlights the challenge of finding a foothold in an economy where the number of people seeking work continues to grow faster than employment opportunities.
