MEDIA RELEASE

30 July 2019

Quarterly Labour Force Survey (QLFS) – Q2:2019

The results of the Quarterly Labour Force Survey (QLFS) for the second quarter of 2019 released by Statistics
South Africa, indicate that the official unemployment rate increased by 1,4 percentage points to 29,0%
compared to the first quarter of 2019. The number of unemployed persons increased by 455 000 to 6,7 million
in Q2: 2019 compared to Q1: 2019, resulting in an increase of 476 000 in the labour force.

The South African working-age population increased by 150 000 in Q2:2019 compared to Q1:2019. The results
further indicate that the number of discouraged work-seekers decreased by (248 000) and the other not
economically active population by 77 000 resulting in the net decrease of 326 000 in the number of those who
were not economically active.

Employment in the Formal sector and Private households declined by 49 000 each. The Informal sector and
Agriculture on the other hand recorded increases of 114 000 and 5 000 respectively.

An increase of 21 000 in the number of people in employment in the second quarter of 2019 was mainly driven
by Trade (84 000), Community and social services (48 000), Construction (24 000) and Manufacturing (9 000).
However, employment losses were recorded in Private households (49 000), Transport (42 000), Mining (36
000) and Finance and other business services (21 000).

There were approximately 10,3 million persons aged 15–24 years in Q2:2019. The percentage of young
persons aged 15–24 years who were not in employment, education or training (NEET) decreased by 0,9 of a
percentage point to 32,3% (3,3 million) compared to Q1:2019. Of the 20,4 million young people aged 15-34
years, 40,3% were not in employment, education or training (NEET) – a decrease of 0,3 percentage points
compared to Q1:2019.

Issued by Statistics South Africa

For technical enquiries, contact:

Ms Gwen Lehloenya
Acting Deputy Director-General: Population and Social Statistics
Tel: 012 310 9324
Cell: 082 888 2323
Email: GwenL@statssa.gov.za

Ms Malerato Mosiane
Acting Chief Director: Labour Statistics
Tel: 012 310 8688
Cell: 082 888 2449
Email: MaleratoM@statssa.gov.za

For media enquires contact:
Ms Lesedi Dibakwane
Tel: 012 310 8578
Cell: 082 805 7088
Email: LesediD@statssa.gov.za