A total of 8.1 million people are now unemployed in South Africa, according to the latest figures released by Statistics South Africa.
The data shows that the number of employed people fell by 345,000 during the first quarter of 2026, reflecting a significant deterioration in the country’s labour market.
South Africa’s official unemployment rate increased to 32.7% in the first quarter of 2026, up from 31.4% in the final quarter of 2025.
Employment Declines As Joblessness Increases
“This result is a decrease of 44 000 in the labour force during the same period,” Stats SA said in a statement.
The latest report points to fewer people participating in the labour market overall, even as the number of unemployed South Africans continued to rise.
The figures highlight the persistent challenges facing Africa’s most industrialised economy as millions remain without work.
Discouraged Job Seekers Rise To 3.9 Million
Stats SA said discouraged job seekers increased by 178,000 to reach 3.9 million in the first quarter of 2026.
Other available job seekers rose by 55,000 to 910,000, while unavailable job seekers increased by 6,000 to 49,000.
[Mother And Child Killed In Crash Involving Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi’s Vehicle]
Together, these changes pushed the potential labour force population up by a net 240,000 to 4.9 million people.
The increase in discouraged job seekers suggests that more South Africans have stopped actively looking for work despite being willing to take up employment opportunities.
