South Africa’s unemployment level increased in the third quarter of 2026, with the number of jobless people rising to 8.578 million, up from 8.481 million in the second quarter of 2026. The latest figures highlight a further deterioration in labour market conditions over the period.
The data, updated on 10 November 2026, indicate that an additional 97,000 people were recorded as unemployed between the second and third quarters. While no further breakdown was provided, the upward shift in absolute unemployment underscores the ongoing challenges facing South Africa’s economy and job market as 2026 progresses.
