Rise Mzansi, SAFTU sound alarm over SA's unemployment crisis
The unemployment rate rose to to 33.5% in the second quarter. This the highest rate since 2022 and among the highest globally.
FILE: Job seekers wait on the side of a road holding placards showing their specialisation in Johannesburg, South Africa. Picture: MUJAHID SAFODIEN /AFP
JOHANNESBURG - Political parties and labour unions have again sounded the alarm over the unemployment crisis as the figure rose to 33.5% in the second quarter.
This the highest rate since 2022 and among the highest globally.
Stats SA released the latest jobs data on Tuesday, which also shows a worrying increase in joblessness among the youth.
Rise Mzansi national spokesperson, Gugu Ndima, said the country’s unemployment was a ticking time bomb.
"If this trajectory continues, it can only lead to political unrest and revolt from the most marginalised in our society, who 30 years into the democratic dispensation are yet to enjoy the fruits of our hard-earned democracy."
SAFTU spokesperson, Trevor Shaku, has called on the public and private sectors to come to the table to address the crisis.
"There will be no economic growth, job creation and poverty alleviation until the ceasing of both public and private sector investment strikes."