Mass layoffs sees Gqeberha unemployment surge

The Nelson Mandela Bay Metro in the Eastern Cape experienced a severe employment collapse in the second quarter of 2025. Shedding an estimated 42 000 jobs within three months. This was largely driven by manufacturing closures. The official unemployment rate in the metro surged from 22.3% to 26.4%, while the expanded rate - including discouraged work seekers - climbed to 35%.

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