Category Archives: Work and labour force

National government spending breaks the R2 trillion mark

The South African national government spent R2,04 trillion1 in the 2022/23 financial year, representing a rise of 6,1% from R1,92 trillion in 2021/22. Stats SA’s latest set of national government financial data shows how these funds were distributed. Just over half of total expenses in 2022/23 was allocated to grants paid to other levels of government, institutions   read more »


Jobs lost in SA’s formal non-agricultural sector during Q1:2024

Jobs lost in SA’s formal non-agricultural sector during Q1:2024

According to the Quarterly Employment Statistics (QES, Q1:2024) survey released by Statistics South Africa (Stats SA), total employment in the formal non-agricultural sector decreased by 67 000 in the first quarter of 2024, bringing the level of employment to 10,7 million. The survey showed that 74 000 jobs were lost between March 2023 and March 2024.   read more »


Economy 0,1% weaker in the first quarter

Economy 0,1% weaker in the first quarter

Real gross domestic product (GDP) contracted by a marginal 0,1% in the first quarter (January–March) of 2024.1 This followed a revised 0,3% increase in the fourth quarter of 2023. Weaker manufacturing, mining and construction drove much of the downward momentum on the production (supply) side of the economy, while the expenditure (demand) side witnessed a   read more »


Unemployment in South Africa: A Youth Perspective

Unemployment in South Africa: A Youth Perspective

South Africa, like many countries globally, grapples with the challenge of youth unemployment. This is supported by statistics indicating a 45,5% unemployment rate among young individuals (aged 15-34 years), in contrast to the national average of 32,9% in the first quarter of 2024. However, when looking at the Labour Market Dynamics in South Africa report   read more »


Employment dips in SA’s formal non-agricultural sector during Q4:2023

Employment dips in SA’s formal non-agricultural sector during Q4:2023

Statistics South Africa has committed to provide up-to-date and reliable statistics derived from the Quarterly Employment Statistics (QES) survey to ensure accurate information for users and policymakers. The results of the QES, Q4:2023 are derived from the 2023 sample, which was drawn in April 2023. This annual process typically impacts employment and gross earnings levels.   read more »


Formal non-agricultural sector jobs rise in the third quarter of 2023

Formal non-agricultural sector jobs rise in the third quarter of 2023

According to the Quarterly Employment Statistics (QES, Q3:2023) survey released by Statistics South Africa (Stats SA), total employment in the formal non-agricultural sector increased by 31 000 in the third quarter of 2023, bringing the level of employment to almost 10,2 million. The survey showed that 256 000 jobs were added between September 2022 and September   read more »


Discouraged Work-Seekers Decline in SA in Q3:2023

Discouraged Work-Seekers Decline in SA in Q3:2023

South Africa’s working-age population that are discouraged have shown a willingness to shift from being inactive to actively engaging in the labour market, either through employment or job-seeking efforts. This is evident in the results of the Quarterly Labour Force Survey (QLFS) for the third quarter of 2023. The number of persons who were not   read more »


Employment surpasses pre-COVID levels in SA

Employment surpasses pre-COVID levels in SA

Millions of people’s livelihoods, jobs, and health were in jeopardy because of the health crisis caused by COVID-19.  The global economic crisis that emerged was a result of the impact of COVID-19. The impact of the pandemic and the related containment measures led to a severe contraction in economic activity as many people were unable   read more »


Census 2022 shows South Africa’s population grew to 62 million

The latest Census results show that the South African population grew to 62 million in 2022. Gauteng remained the province with the highest population (15 million), while Northern Cape has the smallest population at 1,3 million. The Western Cape has moved from being the 5th-largest province in terms of population size in 1996 to being   read more »


New samples for monthly business cycle indicators

New samples for monthly business cycle indicators

In September 2023, Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) published the results of a number of monthly surveys, which are based on new samples. These are: P3041.2 – Manufacturing: Production and sales; P6141.2 – Wholesale trade sales; P6242.1 – Retail trade sales; P6343.2 – Motor trade sales; P6410 – Tourist accommodation; P6420 – Food and beverages;   read more »