By Thebe Mabanga
Formal non-agricultural employment edged up in the fourth quarter of 2025, increasing by 18 000 jobs (0.2%), according to the latest Quarterly Employment Statistics (QES) released by Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) on Tuesday.
Total employment stood at approximately 10.5 million. Despite the quarterly uptick, longer-term trends remain concerning.
A net 102 000 jobs were lost between December 2024 and December 2025, highlighting persistent weakness in the labour market.
Labour-intensive sectors bore the brunt of the decline. Construction recorded the largest drop, shedding 13 000 jobs, followed by manufacturing (-11 000).
Community services lost 5 000 jobs, transport declined by 4 000, and mining, often seen as a key job creator during commodity booms, cut 3 000 positions.
Gains were concentrated in fewer sectors. Trade added 37 000 jobs, while business services contributed 17 000. Employment in the electricity sector remained unchanged.
Of the 18 000 jobs created in the fourth quarter, 14 000 were full-time and 4 000 were part-time, suggesting a rise in more stable work. Over the year from December 2024 to December 2025, a total of 69 000 jobs were lost, including 33 000 part-time positions.
Those employed enjoyed solid earnings growth. Gross earnings paid to employees rose by R74,7 billion (7,4%) in the fourth quarter of 2025, increasing from R1,0 trillion in September 2025 to R1,08 trillion in December 2025, the survey found. On a year-on-year basis, gross earnings increased by 4,8%, amounting to R49,6 billion from December 2024 to December 2025.
Basic salaries and wages increased by 1,8% in the fourth quarter of 2025, rising by R16,6 billion to reach R930,8 billion. Year-on-year, basic salaries and wages rose by R40,4 billion, representing a 4,5% increase between December 2024 and December 2025.
While salary gains were relatively modest, bonus payments were generous and in line with the season, as the period covers the December holiday cycle. Bonus payments surged in the fourth quarter of 2025, increasing by R58,1 billion (92,5%) to reach R120,9 billion. This reflects a recovery in earnings across a broad range of industries. Over the year, bonus payments rose by 7,6% to R8,6 billion.
The average monthly earnings (AME) paid to employees rose by a marginal 0,1% quarter-on-quarter, from R29 650 in August 2025 to R29 690 in November 2025. On a year-on-year basis, average monthly earnings increased by 4,9%.
“Overall, the fourth quarter of 2025 was characterised by modest employment growth alongside strong increases in earnings, driven by higher salaries and wages and seasonal bonus payments,” Stats SA said.
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