South Africa Unemployment Rises to 33.6% Despite Anti-Immigrant Clampdowns
South Africa’s unemployment rate has increased to 33.6% in the second quarter, according to the latest data from Statistics South Africa (Stats SA).
The figure represents a 0.9 percentage point rise from the 32.7% recorded in the first quarter.
The data challenges claims by anti-migrant groups, such as the “March and March” movement, who argue that undocumented African migrants are the primary cause of local joblessness.
Despite years of intense pressure, xenophobic protests, and the forced repatriation of foreign nationals—many of whom abandoned established businesses—the domestic job market has failed to recover.
Key Labor Market Statistics
Data broadcast by the SABC highlights worsening conditions in the national workforce.
The unemployed population increased by 345,000 people, bringing the total to 8.5 million, while the employed population decreased by 16,000 people, dropping the total to 16.7 million.
This means that the unemployment rate climbed from 32.7% (Q1) to 33.6% (Q2). Economists suggest that targeting foreign small-business owners does not create sustainable local employment. Instead, the persistent rise in joblessness points to structural economic issues, including rolling power cuts, infrastructure deficits, and low economic growth.
