Youth unemployment remains a critical challenge, with many first-time job seekers struggling to transition into employment. Picture Credit: ABC News
By Aisha Zardad
South Africa – South Africa’s labour market shows subtle signs of change, yet structural barriers continue to hinder meaningful employment for many citizens. According to the latest Quarterly Labour Force Survey (QLFS) from Statistics South Africa, employment retention has slightly weakened over the past five years. In 2019, 94% of employed individuals in the third quarter retained their jobs in the fourth quarter, but by 2024, that figure had fallen to 91.8%, highlighting growing mobility and insecurity within the workforce. Similarly, for those not economically active, the percentage remaining in that category fell from 90.7% to 89.0%, while long-term unemployment remained a persistent hurdle, with only 7.4% of the long-term unemployed transitioning into jobs in 2024.
The survey underscores the critical role of prior work experience. Individuals with experience had a 9.8% chance of moving into employment, compared to just 2.6% for those without experience. Education also influences employment prospects: 7.5% of individuals with tertiary qualifications transitioned into jobs, while only 4.8% of those without matric managed the same. Age and gender disparities remain, with youth transitioning at 4.3% and women at 4.6%, compared with adults at 7.3% and men at 6.5%, reflecting ongoing inequities in access to opportunities.
Regional and sectoral differences compound these challenges. Western Cape leads in employment retention at 93.9%, while Free State lags at 87.8%. North West recorded the lowest transition rate at 4.4%. Contract type and skill level further shape outcomes: workers on permanent contracts retained employment more effectively than those on limited-term or unspecified contracts, and low-skilled workers faced a 12.3% risk of leaving employment, compared with 2.8% for skilled workers.
Political reactions have been strong following the release of the data. ANC National Chair Gwede Mantashe suggested that some unemployed South Africans rely too heavily on the state, urging a more “active society” and remarking citizens should not “sit in the sun and expect the state to deliver.” His comments sparked immediate backlash, with ANC Youth League President Collen Malatji describing them as “detached from reality,” noting that young people are often locked out of the labour market before gaining experience. Opposition parties and civil society echoed concerns, highlighting structural barriers, slow economic growth, and limited opportunities that constrain jobseekers.
Labour Minister Nomakhosazana Meth also weighed in, stressing that age should not be a barrier to employment for South Africans aged 34–50, signalling a commitment to inclusive hiring policies. Meanwhile, ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula called for the abolition of work experience requirements for entry-level jobs, citing the negative impact on youth employment.
The QLFS results illuminate a labour market that, while demonstrating high retention rates overall, continues to struggle with structural challenges, particularly for youth, women, low-skilled, and long-term unemployed individuals. Experts warn that advice alone to “apply for jobs” is insufficient; meaningful interventions in education, skills development, and economic growth are critical to altering employment outcomes.
As policymakers, political parties, and civil society digest the QLFS findings, the consensus is clear: while small shifts in retention and mobility are encouraging, South Africa’s labour market requires systemic reforms and targeted support for vulnerable groups to reduce persistent unemployment and foster inclusive economic growth.
