In the fourth quarter of 2024, South Africa’s unemployment rate decreased to 31.9%, supported by Northern Cape, Kwazulu Natal, Mpumalanga and moderate improvements in Limpopo, and the Eastern Cape. The unemployment rate in the Western Cape was unchanged at 19.6 percent. The unemployment rate in the North West rose by 4.5 percentage points to 41.3 percent, the highest across all provinces following a steep contraction in the mining sector. Free State also edged higher to 37.9 percent. On average for 2024, the unemployment rate showed a marginal increase from 32.4 percent in 2023 to 32.6 percent. Following a stellar performance in the construction sector during the 3rd quarter, the labour force fell by 22 000 (or 1.6 percent), with significant job losses recorded in Mpumalanga and Kwazulu Natal. Tender activity showed a notable slowdown post-election period….. Click here to download the latest update
