Mpumalanga records highest unemployment surge as national rate climbs to 32.7%
With 54 000 jobs lost in Mpumalanga alone and youth unemployment nationally soaring past 60%, the government is urgently calling on the private sector to help bridge the gap.
According to Stats SA’s 2026 first-quarter Labour Force Survey, Mpumalanga recorded a 4% increase in the unemployment rate, pushing it to 36.3%. In the fourth quarter of 2025, the province recorded 32.3%. This represents the highest increase among all provinces. Overall, 54 000 individuals lost their jobs in the first quarter.
The survey results were released by Statistician-General Risenga Maluleke on May 12. Nationally, the unemployment rate increased by 1.3%, rising from 31.4% to 32.7%, highlighting the continued vulnerability of young people, women, and job seekers in historically disadvantaged communities.
Minister of Employment and Labour Nomakhosazana Meth acknowledged the difficult socio-economic realities confronting millions of South Africans who continue to search for sustainable employment amid slow economic growth, global uncertainty and structural constraints in key sectors of the economy.
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The survey data indicates that unemployment among young people aged 15 to 24 remains alarmingly high, exceeding 60%.
“We call on the private sector to work collaboratively with government in expanding investment, supporting localisation, accelerating skills absorption and opening pathways for youth employment and entrepreneurship,” said Meth.
She said unemployment is not merely an economic statistic, but a social challenge affecting society and the future aspirations of young people.
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“In this regard, the Department of Employment and Labour continues to intensify the implementation of the Labour Activation Programme, public employment support initiatives, workplace training opportunities, and strengthened partnerships with business, labour, and civil society to stimulate job creation. Furthermore, Productivity SA and the Unemployment Insurance Fund have partnered on a Business Turnaround and Recovery Programme with a total budget of just over R165 million to prevent job losses.”
