By: Rodger Mandhlazi
The Government of National Unity’s (GNU) promises to create jobs have fallen short, with South Africa’s unemployment rate rising to 33.2% in the second quarter of 2025, up from 32.9% in the previous quarter. According to Statistics South Africa (Stats SA), the number of unemployed persons has climbed to 8.4 million, while the number of employed persons grew by only 19,000 to 16.8 million. Young people remain the most affected by the jobs crisis.
Many South Africans say they feel discouraged, with some arguing that qualifications no longer make a difference in this economy. “I’m doing my final year in varsity, but looking at how my career mates are jobless, I get discouraged by my choice of study,” said Cebo Gama, a fourth-year student at the Tshwane University of Technology.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) has criticised the GNU’s job creation efforts. DA spokesperson Michael Bagraim said the party’s reform proposals and bold agenda are necessary to reverse the situation, stressing that economic growth and employment should be treated as the government’s top priority.
For many, the sense of disillusionment runs deep. “It is sad how we believed that now we will have job opportunities as the government has decided to unite, but instead of the percentage dropping, it has increased,” said Nomsa Zikhali, a qualified teacher.
The African Transformation Movement (ATM) has also weighed in, urging the GNU to use South Africa’s mineral resources to stimulate job creation through value-added industries. ATM spokesperson Zama Ntshona said the country needs policies that prioritise employment for South Africans.
The debate over unemployment also shaped the recent national dialogue held from 15 to 17 August, where issues of leadership and governance were discussed. Citizens who participated identified crime and joblessness as the most pressing concerns confronting the nation.
