In a concerning development just weeks before the upcoming national elections, South Africa’s unemployment rate has climbed to 32.9% in the first quarter of the year, according to data released by the national statistics agency.
This figure marks a notable 0.8% increase from the final quarter of 2023.
The staggering unemployment rate underscores the persistent economic challenges facing the country, with South Africa consistently ranking among the nations with the highest joblessness rates globally.
The situation is particularly dire for the youth, where one in every two young South Africans is without work, and a staggering 60% are grappling with poverty.
As the nation grapples with stubbornly high unemployment, corruption, and deep-seated economic disparities, these issues have become focal points in the lead-up to the elections.
Criticism has been mounting against the ruling African National Congress (ANC) party, which has held power since the end of apartheid in 1994, over its management of the economy. Some pre-election polls even indicate that the ANC may secure less than 50% of the vote for the first time in its history.
These figures reflect a broader dissatisfaction among voters regarding the country’s economic trajectory and governance, suggesting that this election cycle could be pivotal in shaping South Africa’s future socio-economic landscape.
