Unemployment Crisis | Calls grow for urgent action on job creation

South Africa's unemployment crisis remains one of the country's biggest economic challenges.

The latest figures from Statistics South Africa show the official unemployment rate rose to 32.7% in the first quarter of 2026.

According to Stats SA more than 8.1 million South Africans are without work, and youth unemployment continues to paint a grim picture, with nearly 61% of people unable to find jobs.

Economists warn that slow economic growth and declining employment opportunities continue to put pressure on households across the country.

We speak with Siphila Dlamini from the South African Youth Business Chamber and Gugu Mclaren from the National Business Initiative.

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