Unemployment Rate Climbs to 33.6% in Q2 2026
South Africa’s unemployment rate increased to 33.6 per cent in the second quarter of 2026, up from 32.7 per cent recorded in the first quarter, according to data released by Statistics South Africa.
The statistics agency said the number of unemployed people rose from 8.137 million in January to March to 8.481 million between April and June, reflecting continued pressure in the country’s labour market. The official unemployment rate has remained above 30 per cent for more than five years, leaving South Africa with one of the highest jobless rates globally.
Employment declined across seven of the 10 sectors monitored during the quarter. Community and social services recorded the largest fall in employment, followed by mining, agriculture and manufacturing. However, employment increased in the trade, construction and finance sectors.
The expanded unemployment rate, which includes people who want work but are not actively seeking employment, also edged higher to 43.8 per cent from 43.7 per cent in the previous quarter. Young people and Black women continue to face some of the country’s highest levels of unemployment, highlighting persistent challenges in creating sufficient jobs despite economic reforms and modest economic growth.
