By Thebe Mabanga
Five years after the Covid-19 pandemic disrupted South Africa’s labour market, new data from Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) shows that qualifications, work experience, location, age, gender and skills profile remain key determinants of whether someone finds a job or stays employed.
The data reveals that between the third and fourth quarters of 2024, only 9.8% of unemployed people managed to secure work.
By contrast, almost twice as many—17.4%—exited the labour market altogether, becoming economically inactive either after reaching retirement age or as discouraged work-seekers.
“In 2019, almost everyone who was employed in the third quarter—94.0% to be exact—was still employed in the fourth quarter,” Stats SA notes.
“Fast forward to 2024, and that figure has dipped slightly to 91.8%. While the decline is modest, it signals a shift in employment stability.”
In 2019, 74% of unemployed people remained without work across the final two quarters of
You’ve reached your free article limit
Subscribe to enjoy unlimited access to trusted journalism. Cancel anytime.
Subscribe nowNeed help? molokom@insidepolitic.co.za
