South Africa’s unemployment rate in the last quarter of 2024 stood at 31.9%, slightly lower than the 32.1% recorded in the same period in 2023. However, it remains alarmingly high, particularly among young people.

Youth unemployment is particularly severe, with 59.6% of the labour force aged 15 to 24 unemployed. Many in this group are likely searching for their first job but struggling to find one. Among those aged 25 to 34, the unemployment rate is also high at 39.4%. Recognising this crisis, the Presidency has launched several initiatives to provide unemployed young people with work experience. Statistics South Africa noted last year that ‘initiatives such as experiential learning, apprenticeships, or other forms of exposure to the workplace have far-reaching implications in addressing the scourge of youth unemployment.’

President Cyril Ramaphosa has also called on the private sector to create opportunities for young people to gain work experience.Get the data used in this chart on DataDesk