youth unemployment south africalatest news & developments
Youth unemployment rose to 43.8% among 15-to-34-year-olds in Q4 2025, even as the headline rate fell. (Delwyn Verasamy/M&G)

Unemployment rate eases but structural crisis deepens

The decline brings the official rate to its lowest level since the Covid-19 shock pushed unemployment above 30%

  • Stella Mapenzauswa
4 min read
Political analyst Moeletsi Mbeki has indicted South Africa’s “ruling political elites” for contributing to the country’s economic dysfunction

Moeletsi Mbeki criticises ‘ruling political elites’ for ‘milking’ South Africa’s economy

The brother of former president Thabo Mbeki said the power of the ruling middle class must be diluted by the poor, the working class and property owners

  • Eyaaz
9 min read
Get up, start up: Youth unemployment in South Africa increased to 44.6% in the final quarter of last year.

Entrepreneurship key to solving SA’s youth unemployment crisis

Business leaders call for more investment to help youths start businesses and to tackle joblessness

  • Aarti Bhana
4 min read
Youth unemployment rose to 43.8% among 15-to-34-year-olds in Q4 2025, even as the headline rate fell. (Delwyn Verasamy/M&G)

Unemployment drops to 32.1% in third quarter

The jobless rate is down from the two-year high of 33.5% recorded in the second quarter

  • Aarti Bhana
1 min read
CEO of McDonald’s South Africa Greg Solomon delivers a compelling keynote address.

Youth empowerment through the McDonald’s South Africa and CATHSSETA Skills Development Partnership

Valuable work experience is gained in the skills-driven training programme

  • Derek Davey
4 min read
Chicken farmers are not the only ones to have borne the brunt of government failings, but their experience illustrates what can go wrong. File photo

How the South African government’s policies are hindering poultry industry growth and job creation

Despite a R1.8 billion investment that created 2 000 jobs, low demand and stalled export growth leave poultry production capacity idle

  • Des Erasmus
6 min read
Although there are several state-sponsored initiatives aimed at creating work opportunities, these initiatives tend to miss many young people who are isolated as a result of vulnerabilities and social exclusion.

New initiative to address youth unemployment tackles vulnerability

Disillusioned, disengaged young people need support from peers, individualised coaching and community-centred services to building inclusivity and trust

  • Des Erasmus
3 min read