Young people in the country are the hardest hit when it comes to unemployment.
Mzansi’s unemployment crisis is getting worse, with the official unemployment rate climbing to 32,7% in the first three months of 2026.
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This was revealed by Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) during a media briefing in Tshwane on Tuesday, 12 May.
The latest Quarterly Labour Force Survey (QLFS), covering January to March 2026, paints a grim picture for millions of job seekers across the country.
According to Stats SA, the economy lost 345 000 jobs during the period, while more than 301 000 people joined the unemployment queue.
This pushed the total number of unemployed South Africans to more than 8,1 million people.
The services and construction sectors suffered the biggest job losses.
However, there were slight gains in manufacturing, mining and agriculture.
Expanded unemployment rate hits 43,7%
Stats SA said the situation becomes even more worrying when discouraged job seekers who have stopped searching for work are included.
This pushed the expanded unemployment rate to 43,7%.
Young people continue to carry the heaviest burden in the country’s worsening jobs crisis.
Statistician-General Risenga Maluleke said:
“Young people continue to be vulnerable to the labour market. But when we unpack that, we can say those who are between 15-24, their unemployment rate is sitting at 60,9%, and 25-34 their unemployment rate is sitting at 40,6%.”
The figures mean that more than half of South Africans aged between 15 and 24 remain without work.
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This highlights the growing pressure on young people trying to enter the labour market.
With the cost of living continuing to rise, the latest figures are expected to increase concerns about poverty, hunger and economic hardship in many households across the country.
