The official unemployment rate decreased by 1,4% to about 32,1% in quarter 3 of 2024.
This is equivalent to a decrease of 373 000 to 8 million jobless people.
This is according to the latest Labour Force Survey, for Quarter 3, in 2024, published by
Statistics South Africa (StatsSA) this week.
Employment increased by 294,000 during this time.
Community and social services, employed more people, as well as construction and trade industries.
Graduate unemployment rate increased by 0,1% of a percentage point to 9,8% in Quarter 3.
Youth unemployment rate decreased from 46,6% in the second quarter of 2024 to 45,5% in the third quarter of 2024.
Black women make up 38, 6% of people unemployed.
Most people were employed in the Eastern Cape (83 000), Western Cape (75 000), Northwest (69 000) and Mpumalanga (49 000).
The North West Province recorded a 51,5% of the expanded unemployment rate, followed by Mpumalanga, at 47,8%.
Between Q3:2014 and Q3:2019, domestic work employment showed modest growth of 6,8% (or 65 000 jobs), increasing from 961 000 to 1 million jobs.
In Q3:2024, Black African Women made up 87,8% share of Domestic Work.
Nonceba Mhlauli, Deputy Minister in the Presidency, said she welcomes the results of the Quarterly Labour Force Survey for the third quarter of 2024 released by Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) this week.
“This marks a significant step forward for our economy. The decline in the unemployment rate is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our government working with all relevant stakeholders. The Economic Recovery and Reconstruction Plan (ERRP) and Operation Vulindlela initiated by President Ramaphosa have been instrumental in driving economic growth and job creation. We are pleased to see these efforts yielding positive results” she said.