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100+ Job Statistics in South Africa 2025 (Trends, Stats and Facts You Should Know)

Updated on May 23, 2025 7103 views
100+ Job Statistics in South Africa 2025 (Trends, Stats and Facts You Should Know)

Did you know that over 37% of South African youth aged 15–24 are currently not in employment, education, or training? These numbers highlight a major challenge, but they also point to where growth and change are happening in South Africa's job market. 

This collection of 100+ statistics breaks down South Africa’s labour market in 2025, showing which sectors are expanding, where jobs are being created, and what you need to know about the country’s workforce.

 

Statistics on South Africa’s Labour Market

 

 

Statistics on Youth and Unemployment in South Africa

 

 

Statistics on Regional Unemployment Differences

 

 

Statistics on Regional Employment Differences

 

 

Statistics on Gender Disparity

 

 

Statistics on Job Creation in South Africa

 

 

Statistics on Formal vs Informal Sector Employment

 

 

Statistics on Employment by Occupation

 

 

Statistics on Education

 

 

Statistics on Salaries, Wages, and Earnings in South Africa

 

 

Statistics on Job Type

 

 

Statistics on South Africa’s Technology and Digital Economy

 

 

Key Projections & Trends

 

Informal sector growth will remain steady

The informal sector in South Africa added more jobs despite broader economic stagnation. With high barriers to formal employment, informal work is projected to absorb most new labour market entrants, potentially adding 50,000 to 100,000 informal jobs annually.

 

Recovery in manufacturing and construction will be critical to reversing job losses

The manufacturing and construction industry had the steepest declines across all industries in Q1 2024. If this contraction continues, these industries could collectively lose over 200,000 jobs by 2026, dragging down national employment growth. However, targeted investment in local production, housing, and infrastructure could stabilize or even reverse this trend, especially if public-private partnerships are scaled up.

 

Provincial job growth will likely concentrate in KwaZulu-Natal and Limpopo

KwaZulu-Natal and Limpopo showed the strongest provincial growth. Assuming continued investment and stability, these provinces are projected to drive regional employment gains, with combined net job creation.

 

Transport and finance sectors poised for sustained job creation

With transport and finance showing quarterly growth, these sectors are expected to be among the top contributors to employment growth through 2026, supported by e-commerce expansion, logistics, and fintech adoption.

 

Structure of the South African Labour Market

1. Working-Age Population (Aged 15–64)

All persons in South Africa aged 15 to 64 years. This is the population base used for analysing labour market activity.

2. Labour Force

This group includes all individuals who are either employed or unemployed.

a. Employed Persons

Individuals aged 15–64 who:

  • Did any work for at least one hour during the reference week, or

  • Had a job or business but were temporarily absent.

b. Unemployed Persons

Individuals aged 15–64 who:

  • Were not employed

  • Actively looked for work or were starting a job/business soon, and

3. Persons Outside the Labour Force

a. Discouraged Work-Seekers

People who:

  • Wanted to work and were available,

  • People who did not actively seek work, citing reasons like no jobs available or loss of hope.

b. Other Not Economically Active

People who were not seeking work due to reasons such as:

  • Full-time education,

  • Family responsibilities,

  • Illness or disability

c. Youth NEET (Not in Employment, Education or Training)

This is a specific category used to assess young people disengaged from both the labour market and educational systems. It includes:

  • Youth aged 15–24

  • Youth aged 15–34

 

Conclusion

South Africa’s labour force is expanding, but high unemployment remains a major barrier. Turning this around calls for intentional efforts. The focus must move toward building skills that match demand, opening doors for those long excluded, and availing jobs that offer more than just survival.

Staff Writer

This article was written and edited by a staff writer.
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