Youth Unemployment Crisis: Nearly Half of South Africans Under 35 Are Jobless
New Stats SA report reveals alarming joblessness figures among young people.
- Youth unemployment (15–34) stands at 46.1% in Q1 2025.
- Joblessness among ages 15–24 reaches 62.4%.
- North West province records ~58.8% unemployment.
- Eastern Cape sits at ~54.3% unemployment.
South Africa’s youth unemployment crisis continues to make headlines as new figures from the first quarter of 2025 paint a grim picture. Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) revealed that nearly half of young people aged 15 to 34 are without work, underscoring a persistent challenge for the country’s economy.
The data shows that youth unemployment among the 15–34 age group stands at 46.1%. Even more concerning, those in the 15–24 age bracket face joblessness at a staggering 62.4% — among the highest globally.
Provincial figures also highlight regional disparities. In the North West province, the youth unemployment rate is estimated at 58.8%, while in the Eastern Cape, the figure sits at 54.3%. These numbers indicate that certain regions are bearing a heavier burden of the crisis.
Economists warn that such high levels of unemployment pose long-term risks, including a growing dependency ratio, social instability, and continued strain on government support systems. Addressing this challenge requires targeted interventions, from education reforms to job creation programs tailored for young people.