The country\u2019s unemployment rate declined by a percentage point in the fourth quarter of 2015, to 24.5% of the population.<\/p>\n
According to the Quarterly Labour Force Survey, the working-age population was 36.3 million, of whom 16 million were employed, 5.2 million unemployed and 15.1 million not economically active.<\/p>\n
Almost 66% of the unemployed were people between the ages of 15 and 34. Over half (57.6%) did not complete matric.<\/p>\n
Year-on-year, the official unemployment rate increased by 0.2 percent of a percentage point.<\/p>\n
Statistician General Pali Lehohla said on Thursday that the largest share of employment in the last quarter was in finance and other business sectors, trade, and community and social services.<\/p>\n
Job losses were recorded in agriculture (37 000), manufacturing (36 000) and construction (21 000).<\/p>\n
Lehola said that agriculture was a small but important contributor to the GDP.<\/p>\n
Without it, \u201call life seizes to exist\u201d, he said in the context of the sector\u2019s job losses and the drought.<\/p>\n
The losses were mainly driven by a decline in the growing of crops and combined farming of crops and animals.<\/p>\n
Jobs in private households increased by 13 000 in the last quarter.<\/p>\n
Lehohla addressed speculation around the survey results being re-scheduled until a day after National Budget. \u201cAs I stated, I delayed it because I had to do quality checks.\u201d<\/p>\n
News24<\/a><\/p>\n More on employment<\/strong><\/p>\n SA unemployment rate rises to 25.5%<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n This graphic shows the shocking state of employment in South Africa<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n