SA sees modest job growth in Q4 of 2024

JOHANNESBURG - After a challenging year of job losses, South Africa has seen a modest job growth in the fourth quarter of last year.
 
According to the Quarterly Employment Statistics survey released by Statistics South Africa, formal non-agricultural sector showed a glimmer of recovery in the final quarter of 2024.
 
Employment in the sector rose by 12,000 jobs, reaching 10.64 million by December 2024. 
 
The trade industry led the increase, adding 42,000 jobs, with business services following with 22,000 new jobs. 
 
However, Statistician-General Risenga Maluleke said that not all sectors shared in the gains.
  
"Community services with a drop of 26,000, construction and manufacturing with 13,000 each, and mining with 3,000. Year-on-year total employment decreased by 91,000 between December 2023 and December 2024."
 
Maluleke said that while full-time employment saw a jump due to increases in trade, business services, transport, and electricity, other sectors weren't as lucky.
 
"There were decreases reported by the following industries: construction 14,000, community services 12,000, manufacturing 10,000, and mining 3,000. Year-on-year full-time employment decreased by 26,000 between December 2023 and December 2024."