Zuko Komisa

South Africa experienced a notable decline in employment during the first quarter of 2025, with 74 000 jobs lost between December 2024 and March 2025.
This downturn brings the total number of employed individuals down to 10 579 000 from 10 653 000 in the previous quarter, according to the latest Quarterly Employment Statistics released by Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) on Tuesday.
Several key industries contributed to the overall decrease.
The trade sector saw the most significant decline, shedding 52 000 jobs. Community services followed with a loss of 17 000 jobs, while the mining sector cut 4 000 positions.
Business services, construction, and electricity each experienced a decrease of 1 000 jobs. The transport industry, however, remained unchanged during this period.
The report also detailed a decrease in both full-time and part-time employment. Full-time employment fell by 55 000 jobs, a 0.6% drop, from 9 503 000 in December 2024 to 9 448 000 in March 2025.
Part-time employment saw a more significant percentage decline, decreasing by 19 000 jobs, or 1.7%, from 1 150 000 to 1 131 000 over the same period.
In addition to job losses, the data revealed a substantial decrease in gross earnings paid to employees.
“Gross earnings paid to employees decreased by R47.3 billion, or 4.6%, from R1.03 trillion in December 2024 to R983.1 billion in March 2025,” read a statement from Stats SA.
#ZAincome || Total gross earnings paid to employees decreased by 4,6%, amounting to R983,1 billion in March 2025, down from R1 031 billion in December 2024.
— Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) (@StatsSA) June 24, 2025
🔗: https://t.co/QV9NMbmp4P#StatsSA #ZAemployment #ZAunemployment #GovZAUpdates pic.twitter.com/wzUR5TXZv7
This latest data highlights the ongoing challenges facing the South African job market as the country moves through the first half of 2025.
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