South Africa’s unemployment rate has risen to  in the first quarter of 2025, marking a  from the previous quarter, according to the latest data from . The figures reveal that  South Africans are now employed, down from  in late 2024.

The Congress of South African Trade Unions () has expressed deep concern over the worsening job crisis, calling for urgent government intervention. Meanwhile, the  has emerged as the hardest-hit region, with its —which includes discouraged job seekers—reaching a staggering , while the .

SABC News reporter , where unemployed workers gather daily along , hoping for odd jobs such as gardening, car washing, or any temporary work to survive.

One unemployed worker shared his struggles: “We come here every morning, but sometimes no one hires us. There are months when we get nothing.”

With millions of South Africans struggling to find work, pressure is mounting on policymakers to address structural economic challenges, including sluggish growth and limited job creation.

COSATU has urged immediate measures, including  and , to curb the crisis.

As the nation grapples with rising joblessness, the human toll of unemployment continues to unfold in towns like Mahikeng, where hope for steady work remains out of reach for many.