SA unemployment was in freefall in the second quarter of 2025 (March to June), reports Stats SA. According to the latest figures, 80 000 jobs were lost in the three-month period, representing a 0.8% decline. The drop brings the total number of employed to 10.5 million in South Africa.
According to Stats SA, SA unemployment was driven primarily by job losses in the – services, trade, manufacturing, construction, transport and business sectors.
SA UNEMPLOYMENT RISES AGAIN
Full-time SA unemployment increased by 0.5% over the quarter, from 9 413 000 (Q1) to 9 457 000 (Q2). However, two sectors that saw a welcome decrease in SA unemployment were the mining and electricity industries. The former reported an increase of 6 000 employees year-on-year, compared with June 2024.
Meanwhile, part-time employment decreased by 36 000 (3.2%), from March to June 2025. However, there was a small increase in part-time work in the business and electricity industries, says Stats SA.
SALARIES, WAGES AND EARNINGS
Despite the rise in SA unemployment, Stats SA says gross earnings increased by R2.2 billion in Q2. From R984.7 billion in March to R986.8 billion in June 2025. A such, basic salaries, wages and earning increased by R21.7 billion (2.5%) from R881 billion in Q1 to R902.8 billion at the end of Q2.
Likewise, compared to year-on-year, basic salaries, wages and earnings increased by R31.2 billion (3.6%) between June 2024 and June 2025. However, bonuses paid to employees decreased by R19.3 billion (25%), from R75 billion in March to just R56 billion in June 2025. This is undoubtedly due to the time of the year.
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