Official unemployment rose to 8.58 million in Q3 2026 — the first Q3 increase since 2021

Millions of people, working-age population (15–64 years), South Africa; Q3 2026

33.8%

official unemployment rate, Q3 2026

42.3%

expanded unemployment rate (incl. discouraged workers)

Labour force growth and a quarter-on-quarter rise in employment were outpaced by an even faster influx of job-seekers, pushing official unemployment higher for the first time in a third quarter since 2021. Discouraged workers — excluded from the headline rate — also rose for the third consecutive quarter, signalling deepening strain beyond the official figures.