South Africa's unemployment rate has hit 32.9 according to the latest data from the Quarterly Labour Force Survey QLFS for the first quarter of 2025, released by Statistics South Africa Stats SA in a staggering revelation.
The situation is particularly dire for young people aged 15 to 34, who comprise a significant portion of the country's working-age population, estimated to be around 20.9 million individuals, Cape town Etc reports.
The grim reality is underscored by a youth unemployment rate that has risen alarmingly over the past decade.
Younger South Africans face steep challenges in breaking into the job market, with those aged 15 to 24 experiencing the highest barriers.
In a decade, the unemployment rate for this group has surged from 50.3 in Q1 2015 to 62.4 in Q1 2025. Meanwhile, the 25 to 34 age bracket has seen unemployment escalate from 31.4 to 40.4.