One in three without work: anatomy of South African unemployment
Unemployment was one of the main issues of the 4 November 2026 local elections, which gave the ANC its lowest score ever. Official rate, broader definition, young people, women, comparison with the world: what the quarterly labour force survey has measured since 2008.
Scope: South Africa, Quarterly Labour Force Survey (QLFS) of Statistics South Africa, 2008 to the latest release; international comparisons from the ILO modelled estimates (World Bank).
Key points
- One in three in the labour force without work. The official unemployment rate reaches 33.7% in Q3 2026, against 23.2% in Q1 2008, at the start of the current survey: 10.5 pt more.
- Still close to the peak. The rate peaked at 35.3% in Q4 2021, after the pandemic; it remains far from the series low (21.5% in Q4 2008).
- A broader definition adds 10.1 pt. Counting also the people who would like to work without actively searching, the ILO gets 42.0% in Q2 2026, 10.1 pt more than unemployment in the strict sense.
- Young people first. According to the ILO modelled estimates, 59.9% of the labour force aged 15 to 24 is unemployed in 2025, against 13.4% in the world.
- A gap unique among large countries. South African unemployment (32.4% in 2025, ILO estimate) is about 7 times the world average (4.8%) and well above that of upper-middle-income countries (5.2%).
How to read these figures
The official rate is Statistics South Africa’s: the share of the labour force aged 15 to 64 who did not work, looked for a job in the last four weeks and could start at once. Stats SA also publishes an expanded definition that does not require an active search; that series is not reachable here through an open interface. The dossier shows instead the closest ILO indicator, the combined rate of unemployment and potential labour force (LU3), recomputed by the ILO from the survey micro data, for people aged 15 and over. Over the latest quarters the ILO’s recomputed rates are below those Stats SA publishes: compare the gap between the two ILO curves, not their level with the official rate.
The quarterly survey (QLFS) started in 2008; the official series are read through the data service of the South African Reserve Bank, which republishes them. International comparisons use the ILO modelled estimates released by the World Bank: they harmonise definitions across countries and differ slightly from national figures. The employment ratio divides people in work by the whole population aged 15 and over.
1. The official rate since 2008
Unemployment has risen in steps since 2008. The fall in the second quarter of 2020 is a lockdown effect: many people without work could not look for a job and left the labour force.
Official unemployment rate, each quarter
Share of the labour force aged 15 to 64 that is unemployed, Stats SA official definition. Latest point: Q3 2026, 33.7%.
Source:Statistics South Africa, via the South African Reserve Bank
Show the chart data
| Period | Official rate |
|---|---|
| Q1 2008 | 23.2% |
| Q2 2008 | 22.6% |
| Q3 2008 | 22.8% |
| Q4 2008 | 21.5% |
| Q1 2009 | 23.0% |
| Q2 2009 | 23.2% |
| Q3 2009 | 24.5% |
| Q4 2009 | 24.1% |
| Q1 2010 | 25.1% |
| Q2 2010 | 25.1% |
| Q3 2010 | 25.4% |
| Q4 2010 | 23.9% |
| Q1 2011 | 24.8% |
| Q2 2011 | 25.6% |
| Q3 2011 | 25.0% |
| Q4 2011 | 23.8% |
| Q1 2012 | 25.0% |
| Q2 2012 | 24.8% |
| Q3 2012 | 25.2% |
| Q4 2012 | 24.5% |
| Q1 2013 | 25.0% |
| Q2 2013 | 25.3% |
| Q3 2013 | 24.5% |
| Q4 2013 | 24.1% |
| Q1 2014 | 25.2% |
| Q2 2014 | 25.5% |
| Q3 2014 | 25.4% |
| Q4 2014 | 24.3% |
| Q1 2015 | 26.4% |
| Q2 2015 | 25.0% |
| Q3 2015 | 25.5% |
| Q4 2015 | 24.5% |
| Q1 2016 | 26.7% |
| Q2 2016 | 26.6% |
| Q3 2016 | 27.1% |
| Q4 2016 | 26.5% |
| Q1 2017 | 27.7% |
| Q2 2017 | 27.7% |
| Q3 2017 | 27.7% |
| Q4 2017 | 26.7% |
| Q1 2018 | 26.7% |
| Q2 2018 | 27.2% |
| Q3 2018 | 27.5% |
| Q4 2018 | 27.1% |
| Q1 2019 | 27.6% |
| Q2 2019 | 29.0% |
| Q3 2019 | 29.1% |
| Q4 2019 | 29.1% |
| Q1 2020 | 30.1% |
| Q2 2020 | 23.3% |
| Q3 2020 | 30.8% |
| Q4 2020 | 32.5% |
| Q1 2021 | 32.6% |
| Q2 2021 | 34.4% |
| Q3 2021 | 34.9% |
| Q4 2021 | 35.3% |
| Q1 2022 | 34.5% |
| Q2 2022 | 33.9% |
| Q3 2022 | 32.9% |
| Q4 2022 | 32.7% |
| Q1 2023 | 32.9% |
| Q2 2023 | 32.6% |
| Q3 2023 | 31.9% |
| Q4 2023 | 32.1% |
| Q1 2024 | 32.9% |
| Q2 2024 | 33.5% |
| Q3 2024 | 32.1% |
| Q4 2024 | 31.9% |
| Q1 2025 | 32.9% |
| Q2 2025 | 33.2% |
| Q3 2025 | 31.9% |
| Q4 2025 | 31.4% |
| Q1 2026 | 32.7% |
| Q2 2026 | 33.6% |
| Q3 2026 | 33.7% |
Labour force participation rate
Share of people aged 15-64 in work or unemployed. Latest point: Q3 2026, 59.9%.
Source:Statistics South Africa, via the South African Reserve Bank
Show the chart data
| Period | Participation rate |
|---|---|
| Q1 2008 | 59.6% |
| Q2 2008 | 59.5% |
| Q3 2008 | 59.2% |
| Q4 2008 | 58.8% |
| Q1 2009 | 59.1% |
| Q2 2009 | 57.9% |
| Q3 2009 | 56.4% |
| Q4 2009 | 56.5% |
| Q1 2010 | 56.2% |
| Q2 2010 | 56.1% |
| Q3 2010 | 55.4% |
| Q4 2010 | 55.0% |
| Q1 2011 | 55.5% |
| Q2 2011 | 55.9% |
| Q3 2011 | 55.9% |
| Q4 2011 | 55.6% |
| Q1 2012 | 56.1% |
| Q2 2012 | 55.9% |
| Q3 2012 | 56.8% |
| Q4 2012 | 55.9% |
| Q1 2013 | 56.2% |
| Q2 2013 | 56.6% |
| Q3 2013 | 57.1% |
| Q4 2013 | 57.1% |
| Q1 2014 | 57.2% |
| Q2 2014 | 57.3% |
| Q3 2014 | 57.1% |
| Q4 2014 | 56.8% |
| Q1 2015 | 58.6% |
| Q2 2015 | 58.1% |
| Q3 2015 | 58.8% |
| Q4 2015 | 58.5% |
| Q1 2016 | 58.7% |
| Q2 2016 | 57.9% |
| Q3 2016 | 59.1% |
| Q4 2016 | 59.2% |
| Q1 2017 | 60.5% |
| Q2 2017 | 59.9% |
| Q3 2017 | 59.9% |
| Q4 2017 | 58.8% |
| Q1 2018 | 59.3% |
| Q2 2018 | 59.1% |
| Q3 2018 | 59.5% |
| Q4 2018 | 59.4% |
| Q1 2019 | 58.8% |
| Q2 2019 | 59.8% |
| Q3 2019 | 59.9% |
| Q4 2019 | 59.8% |
| Q1 2020 | 60.3% |
| Q2 2020 | 47.3% |
| Q3 2020 | 54.2% |
| Q4 2020 | 56.6% |
| Q1 2021 | 56.4% |
| Q2 2021 | 57.5% |
| Q3 2021 | 55.2% |
| Q4 2021 | 56.3% |
| Q1 2022 | 56.9% |
| Q2 2022 | 58.6% |
| Q3 2022 | 58.3% |
| Q4 2022 | 58.5% |
| Q1 2023 | 59.4% |
| Q2 2023 | 59.6% |
| Q3 2023 | 60.2% |
| Q4 2023 | 60.0% |
| Q1 2024 | 60.7% |
| Q2 2024 | 60.6% |
| Q3 2024 | 60.2% |
| Q4 2024 | 60.3% |
| Q1 2025 | 60.0% |
| Q2 2025 | 60.2% |
| Q3 2025 | 59.7% |
| Q4 2025 | 59.3% |
| Q1 2026 | 59.0% |
| Q2 2026 | 59.6% |
| Q3 2026 | 59.9% |
2. Beyond strict unemployment
Some people without work no longer search actively, for lack of openings or of money to travel. Counting them clearly changes the level, not the trend.
Unemployment and potential labour force (ILO)
ILO, from the QLFS micro data, ages 15 and over. In Q2 2026 the gap is 10.1 pt.
- Unemployment (ILO)
- Unemployment and potential labour force
Source:International Labour Organization (ILOSTAT)
Show the chart data
| Period | Unemployment and potential labour force | Unemployment (ILO) |
|---|---|---|
| Q1 2008 | 30.7% | 23.1% |
| Q2 2008 | 29.4% | 22.5% |
| Q3 2008 | 29.4% | 22.7% |
| Q4 2008 | 28.6% | 21.4% |
| Q1 2009 | 30.2% | 22.8% |
| Q2 2009 | 31.6% | 23.1% |
| Q3 2009 | 33.7% | 24.3% |
| Q4 2009 | 33.4% | 23.9% |
| Q1 2010 | 34.7% | 24.9% |
| Q2 2010 | 35.0% | 24.9% |
| Q3 2010 | 35.9% | 25.2% |
| Q4 2010 | 35.1% | 23.8% |
| Q1 2011 | 35.7% | 24.7% |
| Q2 2011 | 36.1% | 25.4% |
| Q3 2011 | 35.3% | 24.8% |
| Q4 2011 | 34.6% | 23.6% |
| Q1 2012 | 35.9% | 24.9% |
| Q2 2012 | 35.5% | 24.6% |
| Q3 2012 | 35.4% | 25.0% |
| Q4 2012 | 35.0% | 24.3% |
| Q1 2013 | 35.9% | 24.9% |
| Q2 2013 | 35.9% | 25.1% |
| Q3 2013 | 34.7% | 24.3% |
| Q4 2013 | 33.7% | 23.9% |
| Q1 2014 | 35.0% | 25.0% |
| Q2 2014 | 35.4% | 25.3% |
| Q3 2014 | 35.6% | 25.2% |
| Q4 2014 | 34.4% | 24.1% |
| Q1 2015 | 35.9% | 26.2% |
| Q2 2015 | 34.7% | 24.8% |
| Q3 2015 | 34.2% | 25.3% |
| Q4 2015 | 33.6% | 24.3% |
| Q1 2016 | 36.1% | 26.5% |
| Q2 2016 | 36.1% | 26.4% |
| Q3 2016 | 36.1% | 26.9% |
| Q4 2016 | 35.4% | 26.3% |
| Q1 2017 | 36.2% | 27.5% |
| Q2 2017 | 36.4% | 27.6% |
| Q3 2017 | 36.6% | 27.6% |
| Q1 2018 | 36.5% | 26.6% |
| Q2 2018 | 36.9% | 27.0% |
| Q3 2018 | 37.1% | 27.2% |
| Q4 2018 | 36.8% | 26.9% |
| Q1 2019 | 37.8% | 27.3% |
| Q2 2019 | 38.3% | 28.8% |
| Q3 2019 | 38.3% | 28.9% |
| Q4 2019 | 38.5% | 28.8% |
| Q1 2020 | 39.5% | 29.9% |
| Q2 2020 | 41.9% | 23.1% |
| Q3 2020 | 42.9% | 30.5% |
| Q4 2020 | 42.4% | 32.3% |
| Q1 2021 | 43.0% | 32.3% |
| Q2 2021 | 44.1% | 34.1% |
| Q3 2021 | 46.4% | 34.6% |
| Q4 2021 | 45.9% | 35.0% |
| Q1 2022 | 45.3% | 34.3% |
| Q2 2022 | 43.9% | 33.6% |
| Q3 2022 | 42.9% | 32.7% |
| Q4 2022 | 42.5% | 32.5% |
| Q1 2023 | 42.2% | 32.6% |
| Q2 2023 | 41.9% | 32.4% |
| Q3 2023 | 40.9% | 31.6% |
| Q4 2023 | 40.8% | 31.8% |
| Q1 2024 | 41.7% | 32.6% |
| Q2 2024 | 42.3% | 33.2% |
| Q3 2024 | 41.7% | 31.8% |
| Q4 2024 | 41.5% | 31.5% |
| Q1 2025 | 42.7% | 32.6% |
| Q2 2025 | 42.7% | 33.0% |
| Q3 2025 | 40.0% | 29.8% |
| Q4 2025 | 39.9% | 29.4% |
| Q1 2026 | 41.3% | 30.5% |
| Q2 2026 | 42.0% | 32.0% |
3. Women and young people
Female unemployment is above male unemployment over the whole period. Among 15 to 24 year olds, more than half of the labour force is unemployed.
Official unemployment rate by sex
In Q3 2026: 37.3% for women, 30.7% for men.
- Men
- Women
Source:Statistics South Africa, via the South African Reserve Bank
Show the chart data
| Period | Women | Men |
|---|---|---|
| Q1 2008 | 26.6% | 20.5% |
| Q2 2008 | 26.3% | 19.7% |
| Q3 2008 | 25.8% | 20.4% |
| Q4 2008 | 24.9% | 18.8% |
| Q1 2009 | 25.6% | 20.9% |
| Q2 2009 | 25.3% | 21.5% |
| Q3 2009 | 26.3% | 23.0% |
| Q4 2009 | 25.6% | 22.8% |
| Q1 2010 | 27.2% | 23.3% |
| Q2 2010 | 27.4% | 23.2% |
| Q3 2010 | 27.9% | 23.5% |
| Q4 2010 | 26.3% | 22.0% |
| Q1 2011 | 27.9% | 22.4% |
| Q2 2011 | 28.1% | 23.5% |
| Q3 2011 | 27.5% | 22.9% |
| Q4 2011 | 25.9% | 22.0% |
| Q1 2012 | 27.3% | 23.2% |
| Q2 2012 | 26.8% | 23.1% |
| Q3 2012 | 27.5% | 23.3% |
| Q4 2012 | 27.1% | 22.4% |
| Q1 2013 | 26.8% | 23.6% |
| Q2 2013 | 27.5% | 23.4% |
| Q3 2013 | 26.2% | 23.1% |
| Q4 2013 | 26.3% | 22.4% |
| Q1 2014 | 27.0% | 23.7% |
| Q2 2014 | 27.5% | 23.8% |
| Q3 2014 | 27.8% | 23.4% |
| Q4 2014 | 26.6% | 22.4% |
| Q1 2015 | 28.7% | 24.4% |
| Q2 2015 | 27.3% | 23.1% |
| Q3 2015 | 27.9% | 23.5% |
| Q4 2015 | 26.9% | 22.5% |
| Q1 2016 | 29.3% | 24.7% |
| Q2 2016 | 29.1% | 24.6% |
| Q3 2016 | 29.3% | 25.2% |
| Q4 2016 | 28.9% | 24.5% |
| Q1 2017 | 29.8% | 26.0% |
| Q2 2017 | 29.8% | 26.0% |
| Q3 2017 | 29.8% | 26.0% |
| Q4 2017 | 29.0% | 24.8% |
| Q1 2018 | 28.8% | 25.1% |
| Q2 2018 | 29.5% | 25.3% |
| Q3 2018 | 29.4% | 25.9% |
| Q4 2018 | 29.5% | 25.1% |
| Q1 2019 | 29.3% | 26.1% |
| Q2 2019 | 31.3% | 27.1% |
| Q3 2019 | 30.9% | 27.7% |
| Q4 2019 | 31.3% | 27.2% |
| Q1 2020 | 32.4% | 28.3% |
| Q2 2020 | 24.8% | 22.1% |
| Q3 2020 | 32.3% | 29.6% |
| Q4 2020 | 34.3% | 31.0% |
| Q1 2021 | 34.0% | 31.4% |
| Q2 2021 | 36.8% | 32.4% |
| Q3 2021 | 37.3% | 32.9% |
| Q4 2021 | 38.2% | 32.8% |
| Q1 2022 | 36.4% | 33.0% |
| Q2 2022 | 35.5% | 32.6% |
| Q3 2022 | 35.1% | 31.0% |
| Q4 2022 | 35.5% | 30.4% |
| Q1 2023 | 35.4% | 30.7% |
| Q2 2023 | 35.7% | 30.0% |
| Q3 2023 | 34.0% | 30.1% |
| Q4 2023 | 34.4% | 30.1% |
| Q1 2024 | 35.2% | 31.0% |
| Q2 2024 | 35.8% | 31.5% |
| Q3 2024 | 34.4% | 30.1% |
| Q4 2024 | 33.9% | 30.1% |
| Q1 2025 | 35.5% | 30.7% |
| Q2 2025 | 35.9% | 31.0% |
| Q3 2025 | 35.1% | 29.3% |
| Q4 2025 | 34.6% | 28.8% |
| Q1 2026 | 36.4% | 29.6% |
| Q2 2026 | 37.5% | 30.3% |
| Q3 2026 | 37.3% | 30.7% |
Unemployment, ages 15-24, South Africa and world
ILO modelled estimates (World Bank).
- World
- South Africa
Source:World Bank (ILO modelled estimates)
Show the chart data
| Period | South Africa | World |
|---|---|---|
| 1991 | 43.5% | 11.5% |
| 1992 | 44.1% | 11.8% |
| 1993 | 44.3% | 12.4% |
| 1994 | 43.9% | 13.0% |
| 1995 | 42.8% | 13.4% |
| 1996 | 42.1% | 13.6% |
| 1997 | 42.1% | 13.7% |
| 1998 | 42.6% | 14.1% |
| 1999 | 43.1% | 14.4% |
| 2000 | 43.2% | 14.3% |
| 2001 | 43.2% | 14.5% |
| 2002 | 43.4% | 14.9% |
| 2003 | 43.8% | 15.0% |
| 2004 | 43.9% | 14.8% |
| 2005 | 43.9% | 14.9% |
| 2006 | 43.9% | 14.5% |
| 2007 | 44.0% | 14.2% |
| 2008 | 44.6% | 14.3% |
| 2009 | 47.5% | 15.3% |
| 2010 | 50.5% | 15.2% |
| 2011 | 49.7% | 15.3% |
| 2012 | 51.3% | 15.7% |
| 2013 | 51.2% | 15.7% |
| 2014 | 51.2% | 15.6% |
| 2015 | 50.1% | 16.0% |
| 2016 | 53.5% | 16.0% |
| 2017 | 53.4% | 16.1% |
| 2018 | 53.6% | 15.9% |
| 2019 | 57.3% | 15.3% |
| 2020 | 59.6% | 17.1% |
| 2021 | 65.5% | 15.7% |
| 2022 | 61.7% | 14.1% |
| 2023 | 60.3% | 13.4% |
| 2024 | 60.2% | 13.3% |
| 2025 | 59.9% | 13.4% |
4. A case apart in the world
Compared with other countries, South African unemployment is exceptional, and the share of the population in work is low.
Unemployment rate: South Africa, upper-middle-income countries, world
ILO modelled estimates (World Bank), ages 15 and over.
- World
- Upper middle income
- South Africa
Source:World Bank (ILO modelled estimates)
Show the chart data
| Period | South Africa | Upper middle income | World |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1991 | 23.1% | 3.8% | 5.1% |
| 1992 | 23.5% | 3.9% | 5.3% |
| 1993 | 23.4% | 4.1% | 5.5% |
| 1994 | 23.1% | 4.5% | 5.8% |
| 1995 | 22.7% | 4.9% | 5.9% |
| 1996 | 22.5% | 5.0% | 6.0% |
| 1997 | 22.5% | 5.1% | 6.0% |
| 1998 | 22.7% | 5.3% | 6.2% |
| 1999 | 22.9% | 5.6% | 6.3% |
| 2000 | 22.8% | 5.5% | 6.1% |
| 2001 | 22.7% | 5.8% | 6.2% |
| 2002 | 22.6% | 6.1% | 6.4% |
| 2003 | 22.7% | 6.2% | 6.5% |
| 2004 | 22.6% | 6.1% | 6.3% |
| 2005 | 22.5% | 6.0% | 6.2% |
| 2006 | 22.3% | 5.8% | 6.0% |
| 2007 | 22.3% | 5.7% | 5.8% |
| 2008 | 22.4% | 5.7% | 5.8% |
| 2009 | 23.5% | 6.0% | 6.4% |
| 2010 | 24.7% | 5.7% | 6.3% |
| 2011 | 24.6% | 5.5% | 6.1% |
| 2012 | 24.7% | 5.4% | 6.2% |
| 2013 | 24.6% | 5.3% | 6.1% |
| 2014 | 24.9% | 5.3% | 6.0% |
| 2015 | 25.1% | 5.6% | 6.0% |
| 2016 | 26.5% | 5.8% | 6.0% |
| 2017 | 27.0% | 5.8% | 5.9% |
| 2018 | 26.9% | 5.7% | 5.8% |
| 2019 | 28.5% | 5.8% | 5.6% |
| 2020 | 29.2% | 6.5% | 6.6% |
| 2021 | 34.0% | 6.2% | 6.0% |
| 2022 | 33.3% | 5.8% | 5.2% |
| 2023 | 32.1% | 5.4% | 4.8% |
| 2024 | 32.3% | 5.3% | 4.8% |
| 2025 | 32.4% | 5.2% | 4.8% |
Share of people aged 15+ in work
ILO modelled estimates (World Bank). In 2025: 37.6% in South Africa, 58.1% in the world.
- World
- South Africa
Source:World Bank (ILO modelled estimates)
Show the chart data
| Period | South Africa | World |
|---|---|---|
| 1991 | 44.6% | 62.0% |
| 1992 | 44.4% | 61.8% |
| 1993 | 44.4% | 61.4% |
| 1994 | 44.6% | 61.2% |
| 1995 | 44.9% | 61.0% |
| 1996 | 45.0% | 60.8% |
| 1997 | 44.9% | 60.8% |
| 1998 | 44.6% | 60.6% |
| 1999 | 44.3% | 60.5% |
| 2000 | 44.2% | 60.5% |
| 2001 | 44.1% | 60.3% |
| 2002 | 43.9% | 59.9% |
| 2003 | 43.7% | 59.8% |
| 2004 | 43.6% | 59.8% |
| 2005 | 43.5% | 59.8% |
| 2006 | 43.5% | 59.7% |
| 2007 | 43.4% | 59.7% |
| 2008 | 43.3% | 59.4% |
| 2009 | 41.3% | 58.8% |
| 2010 | 39.4% | 58.6% |
| 2011 | 39.3% | 58.6% |
| 2012 | 39.5% | 58.3% |
| 2013 | 40.0% | 58.2% |
| 2014 | 40.0% | 58.1% |
| 2015 | 40.9% | 57.9% |
| 2016 | 40.2% | 57.8% |
| 2017 | 40.4% | 57.7% |
| 2018 | 40.3% | 57.6% |
| 2019 | 39.5% | 57.6% |
| 2020 | 35.8% | 55.7% |
| 2021 | 34.3% | 56.7% |
| 2022 | 35.7% | 57.6% |
| 2023 | 37.4% | 58.2% |
| 2024 | 37.6% | 58.2% |
| 2025 | 37.6% | 58.1% |
What we know, what we don’t
What the figures establish
- The official unemployment rate is higher today than at the start of the quarterly survey in 2008.
- Women and young people are hit harder than average, over the whole period.
- The gap with the world average and with countries of comparable income is very large.
What they don’t tell
- The causes of unemployment: these series do not measure the effect of economic or labour-market policies, or of power cuts.
- Informal work not reported in the survey, and the incomes of people without work.
- Stats SA’s expanded definition itself, not reachable here through an open interface; the ILO indicator comes close without being identical.
Sources
Series downloaded from their producers on Nov 12, 2026, the snapshot date. Only published periods are used: no projection.
- International Labour Organization (ILOSTAT) Unemployment rate and combined rate of unemployment and potential labour force (LU3), from the QLFS micro data
- Statistics South Africa, via the South African Reserve Bank Quarterly Labour Force Survey: unemployment and participation rates (SARB series LABT079A, LABU080A, LABU081A, LABT081A)
- World Bank (ILO modelled estimates) Unemployment, total (SL.UEM.TOTL.ZS)
- World Bank (ILO modelled estimates) Unemployment, youth total, ages 15-24 (SL.UEM.1524.ZS)
- World Bank (ILO modelled estimates) Employment to population ratio, 15+ (SL.EMP.TOTL.SP.ZS)