South Africa’s unemployment rate climbed during the initial quarter of 2024, according to recent official figures released on Tuesday, marking a concerning trend for the government just weeks before a pivotal election.
StatsSA, the national statistics agency, reported a 0.8 percentage point increase from the previous quarter, bringing the unemployment rate to 32.9 percent between January and March. The data revealed a rise of 330,000 in the number of unemployed individuals, totaling 8.2 million.
With national and provincial elections scheduled for May 29, the escalating unemployment crisis has become a central issue in political discourse. Particularly alarming is the plight of the youth, with unemployment among this demographic soaring to 45.5 percent in the first quarter, reflecting a 1.3 percentage point increase from the previous quarter.
The ruling African National Congress (ANC), in power since the country’s transition to democracy in 1994, faces significant challenges amidst allegations of corruption and mismanagement compounded by a stagnant economy. Projections suggest that the ANC’s share of the vote may dip below 50 percent for the first time, necessitating potential coalition alliances to retain power.
The persistently high unemployment rate has not only sparked widespread protests but has also fueled anti-foreigner sentiment within the country.
