While the official unemployment rate registered a slight decline according to the Quarterly Labour Force Survey (QLFS) for the last quarter of 2024, concern has been raised that the rate remains alarmingly high especially among the youth.

The official unemployment rate was 31.9% in the fourth quarter of 2024.

According to the QLFS, for Q4 of 2024, which was released by Stats SA this week, there was an increase of 132 000 in the number of employed persons to 17.1 million in the fourth quarter of 2024, while there was a decrease of 20 000 in the number of unemployed persons bringing it to 8 million.

This resulted in an increase of 112 000 (up by 0.4%) in the labour force during the same period.

However discouraged work-seekers increased by 111 000 (up by 3.3%), and the number of persons who were not economically active for reasons other than discouragement decreased by 93 000 (down by 0,7%) between the third quarter and fourth quarter of 2024.

Therefore the not economically active population increased to 16.5 million.

“The above changes in employment and unemployment resulted in the official unemployment rate decreasing by 0.2 of a percentage point from 32.1% in the third quarter of 2024 to 31,9% in the fourth quarter of 2024. The expanded unemployment rate in the fourth quarter of 2024 remained unchanged at 41.9% when compared with the third quarter of 2024.”

Trade union, UASA said although the employment figures are improving, unemployed youth remain a primary concern.

UASA spokesperson Abigail Moyo said: “Without decisive action from the government, the future will remain gloomy, and there is no hope of elevating the impoverished.

“UASA reiterates its call on the government to take the unemployment rate seriously. It presents a dark picture for our country and economy, and without proper solutions, the future of our people is in jeopardy.”

The Foundation for Rights of Expression and Equality (Free SA) said the 31.9% unemployment rate remains alarmingly high, especially when compared to the global average of just 5%.

“The country consistently ranks among the top five nations with the highest unemployment rates in the world, a distinction that signals the failure of current economic policies.”

The organisation said instead of focusing on short-term public sector job creation, the country needed to prioritise private sector-driven growth.

THE MERCURY