South Africa’s unemployment rate rises 

The unemployment rate in South Africa has risen to 32.9% in the first quarter of 2024 from 32.1% in the fourth quarter of 2023. Statistics South Africa released the data two weeks before the elections. 

The results indicate that the number of employed persons increased by 22 000 to 16,7 million in the first quarter of 2024. This is compared to the fourth quarter of 2023.

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The number of unemployed persons increased by 330 000 to 8,2 million during the same quarter. Additionally, the number of people who were not economically active for reasons other than discouragement decreased by 214 000 to 13,1 million. Discouraged work-seekers decreased by 1 000 in the first quarter of 2024 compared to the fourth quarter of 2023.

UNEMPLOYMENT RATE RISES IN SOUTH AFRICA IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 2024 

This resulted in a net decrease of 215 000 in the not economically active population. The above changes in employment and unemployment resulted in the official unemployment rate increasing by 0,8% of a percentage point from 32,1% in the fourth quarter of 2023 to 32,9% in the first quarter of 2024.

The unemployment rate according to the expanded definition also increased by 0,8 of a percentage point to 41,9% in Q1: 2024 compared to Q4: 2023.

More to follow…