South Africa's unemployment rate has risen to 33.6% in the second quarter of 2026, highlighting continuing challenges in the country's labour market.

The latest figure represents an increase of 0.9 percentage points from the 32.7% recorded during the first quarter of the year, according to Statistics South Africa.

The increase was accompanied by a rise in the number of unemployed people. According to the latest data, the number of unemployed South Africans increased by approximately 345,000 to 8.5 million during the quarter.

The deterioration in the unemployment rate comes despite continued efforts to create jobs and strengthen economic activity. The figures underline the difficulties facing South Africa as it attempts to expand employment opportunities for its growing working-age population.

Overall employment also declined during the quarter, with approximately 16,000 jobs lost. Some of the sectors affected included community services, mining, agriculture and manufacturing.

The unemployment figures have important implications for households and the wider economy. High unemployment can place pressure on families, reduce household income and make it more difficult for young people entering the labour market to find work.

South Africa's labour market has also continued to experience significant inequalities. Different provinces and demographic groups record substantially different unemployment rates, highlighting the uneven distribution of employment opportunities across the country.

The latest increase means the official unemployment rate has reached its highest level since August 2022, according to reports on the Statistics South Africa data.

The figures are likely to increase pressure on policymakers to accelerate job creation, support businesses and address structural problems affecting employment.

Economists and labour-market observers will also be watching upcoming quarters closely to determine whether the latest increase represents a temporary setback or part of a longer-term deterioration.

South Africa's rise in unemployment to 33.6% in the second quarter of 2026 reflects the significant employment challenges facing the country. With 8.5 million people unemployed and employment declining in several sectors, job creation remains one of South Africa's most pressing economic challenges.