Stats SA’s release of Quarterly Employment Statistics for March 2026 on Tuesday indicated that total employment decreased by 80 000, or -0.8%, quarter-on-quarter, from 10 548 000 in December 2025 to 10 468 000 in March 2026. Image: Ron Lach/Pexels
South Africa’s jobs crisis worsened in the first three months of this year after employment fell by 80 000 to 10 47 million who held jobs by the end of March 2026, and outlook is equally bleak.
Stats SA’s Quarterly Employment Statistics for March 2026 released on Tuesday indicated that total employment decreased by -0.8%, quarter-on-quarter, which economists said was of great concern given the already high unemployment rate, but it not unexpected.
Stats SA reported that there were decreases in community services jobs (-53 000), trade (-40 000), transport (-3 000), and electricity (-1 000).
“There were increases reported by manufacturing (7 000), business services (7 000), mining (2 000), and construction (1 000). Total employment decreased by 121 000, or -1.1% year-on-year between March 2025 and March 2026.”
“Full-time employment decreased by 24 000, or -0.3%, quarter-on-quarter, from 9 43 million in December 2025 to 9 41 million in March 2026. This was due to decreases in the following industries: trade (-27 000), community services (-3 000), transport (-2 000), and construction (-1 000), manufacturing (-1 000), while electricity remained unchanged.
However, there were increases reported by business services (8 000, or 0.4%), and mining (2 000, or 0.4%).
“It’s showing that South Africa’s economic recovery is not yet translating into broad-based employment creation. At the back of a 1.1% GDP growth for 2025, it’s an economy that is stabilising rather than growing, considering that we need at least 3.5% to 4% GDP growth to begin to dent the problem of unemployment, which is at 32.7%, and much higher at 43% if you use the broad definition of unemployment.”
Madikizela said any loss or decrease in employment reverses the small economic gains that the country has achieved.
“I must hasten to caution that most of the jobs lost are seasonal in nature, coming from the festive season where there would have been more hiring in retail, hospitality such as restaurants, hotels, and related industries, which will reduce the temporary staff after December. It’s 24 000 permanent jobs lost over the first quarter, and we would like to see jobs created and sustained rather than lost. One lost job is far too many as the employed person supports four to seven family members.”
Madikizela said it’s a warning sign of an economy that is fragile and responds to shocks. “Clearly, there is an impact as well from the geopolitical challenges in the Middle East that began at the end of February 2026 and other rising operating costs for businesses that result in weak business confidence and weak economic growth, as shown by the 0.5% GDP in the first quarter and pressures on the economy.”
“The latest jobs report released is beyond depressing. The construction as well as community and social services sectors have been particularly hard hit, notwithstanding some positive jobs increases in manufacturing, mining, and agriculture,” he said.
Parks said the outlook for the second quarter is likely to be similarly bleak due to the war in the Middle East and the big impact it has had on international oil and fuel prices, essentially doubling over the last two months.
“This has already seen economic growth projections for South Africa for 2026 slashed from an already meagre 1.4% to 1%. Inflation for transport has already jumped, with food and other essential goods likely to soon follow suit. This may see the Reserve Bank hike the repo rate, inflicting even further pain upon highly indebted workers and an embattled economy,” said Parks.
Abigail Moyo, spokesperson of the trade union UASA said that the lower employment reminds South Africans of the persistent economic challenge, as the economy continues to struggle to create enough sustainable jobs.
“The overall employment picture does not look promising, given that the rate at which we are losing jobs exceeds the rate at which jobs are being created. The employment crisis remains far from over. Sadly, every retrenchment puts a family’s financial security at risk,” said Moyo.
The Chemical, Energy, Paper, Printing, Wood, and Allied Workers Union (CEPPWAWU) is proud to announce a major legal victory in a long-standing labour dispute involving twenty-four of our members employed by Hoya Lens South Africa (Pty) Ltd.
The matter, cited as CEPPWAWU obo Moyo Golden and 23 Others, reached a decisive conclusion when the Labour Court of South Africa, through Judge Dyk AJ, delivered judgment on 09 June 2026 in favor of the workers.
The dispute originates from the unfair dismissal of 24 workers on 18 August 2020. Following the dismissal, CEPPWAWU pursued justice through the Commission for Conciliation Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA). On 17 February 2022, the CCMA issued an arbitration award in case GAJB17634-21, where the Commissioner found that the dismissal of the workers was substantively unfair and ordered the reinstatement of all 24 workers.
However, instead of complying with the lawful award, the employer filed an application for review on 28 March 2022 and set aside the arbitration award. Despite the legal process, the employer continued to refuse compliance.
In the latest judgment, the Labour Court found Hoya Lens South Africa (Pty) Ltd guilty of contempt of court for failing to comply with the arbitration award, which had already been certified in terms of Section 143 of the Labour Relations Act 66 of 1995 on 16 August 2024.
As a result of this historic victory, the 24 workers will be reinstated retrospectively on 24 June 2026, ending more than five years of unemployment, hardship, and injustice caused by unfair employer conduct.
CEPPWAWU celebrates this important victory and congratulates all 24 members who remained resilient throughout this difficult struggle.
Their determination has proven that workers united through strong organisation can defeat injustice.
This victory once again demonstrates the critical importance of workers belonging to trade unions. Without collective organization, workers are vulnerable to exploitation, victimisation, and unlawful conduct by employers.
CEPPWAWU remains committed to defending workers against unfair labour practices and ensuring that employers respect workers’ rights, dignity, and the laws of South Africa.
We call on all workers across the country to organise, unite, and strengthen worker power because an injury to one is an injury to all.
The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) in Gauteng notes the announcement by Gauteng Premier, Panyaza Lesufi, regarding the transformation of the Traffic Wardens programme into a new “Super Wardens” model aimed at fighting crime and protecting public infrastructure across the province.
COSATU welcomes all genuine efforts to address the high levels of crime that continue to affect working-class communities. Crime, vandalism, cable theft, illegal dumping, and the destruction of public infrastructure place a heavy burden on workers and their families. Every day, workers face the fear of robbery while travelling to work, businesses lose income due to criminal activity, and communities are deprived of essential services because of damaged infrastructure.
The Federation believes that safer communities are important for economic growth, job creation, and social stability. The protection of schools, clinics, hospitals, roads, public transport facilities, and other government infrastructure is critical to ensuring that workers and poor communities have access to quality services.
COSATU also welcomes the potential for the programme to create employment opportunities for young people, particularly at a time when youth unemployment remains one of the biggest challenges facing Gauteng and the country. Any initiative that provides skills development, training, and meaningful employment opportunities deserves support.
However, COSATU stresses that the success of the programme will depend on proper training, adequate resources, clear accountability measures, and strict adherence to the law. Wardens entrusted with law-enforcement responsibilities must be properly trained and supervised to ensure that the rights of residents are protected and that public confidence in the programme is maintained.
The Federation further calls on the Gauteng Provincial Government to ensure that workers employed within the programme enjoy decent working conditions, fair wages, access to benefits, and opportunities for career development. Crime-fighting initiatives should not be built on insecure or exploitative forms of employment.
COSATU acknowledges that crime cannot be defeated through law-enforcement interventions alone. Sustainable solutions require government to tackle the root causes of crime, including unemployment, poverty, inequality, substance abuse, and the lack of opportunities for young people. Greater investment in education, skills development, social services, and local economic development remains essential.
The Federation calls on communities, law-enforcement agencies, organised labour, business, and civil society to work together in building safer communities and protecting public assets. The fight against crime is a collective responsibility that requires unity and cooperation from all sectors of society.
COSATU will continue to monitor the implementation of the programme and engage with government to ensure that it advances the interests of workers, strengthens community safety, and contributes to the broader goal of building a safer and more prosperous Gauteng for all.
SAPS preparations ahead of possible 30 June protests are projected to cost R600 million. Image: File
As plans for 30 June protests gather momentum, the SAPS has activated joint operations in all nine provinces, at a projected cost of R600 million …
South Africa’s security cluster is geared up for possible 30 June protests. It is coordinating police, army, intelligence and provincial governments at a projected cost of R600 million. The aforementioned is a self-imposed deadline set by anti-immigration groups by which time undocumented foreign nationals must leave the country.
However, like the July 2021 riots, President Cyril Ramaphosa believes forces are using the immigration debate to stir disorder in the country. Whatever the politics behind possible 30 June protests, the police’s response is nationwide and by all accounts it won’t be subtle …
SAFETY PLAN FOR 30 JUNE PROTESTS
Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia confirms that the SAPS has full deployment plans in place across all nine provinces. And the SANDF is on standby to step in if need be. “Criminality, intimidation, violence, destruction of property and any attempt to undermine public safety will not be tolerated,” Cachalia said in Pretoria this week.
As such, the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (Natjoints) has reviewed operational plans province by province. And Cachalia has also been doing the rounds in person, to engage every premier on response coordination. Specifically, the Eastern Cape has all eight districts in the province on high alert. Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Vuyisile Ncata says, “No private persons will be allowed to assume the duties and responsibilities of the law enforcement agencies.” Yet another pointed line aimed at anyone planning vigilante action under cover of 30 June protests.
VOTER REGISTRATION MURDERS
Acting Minister Cachalia addresses the media this week regarding opertional readiness of the Natjoints ahead of 30 June 2026. Image: File
Meanwhile, voter registration this past weekend already turned violent. There were 12 serious criminal incidents recorded nationally. These include four murders – among them two people linked to the MK Party in Gauteng, a DA ward candidate in the Western Cape, and an ANC ward councillor in the Eastern Cape. Six arrests have followed, with rewards on offer for information on the rest. “This type of political violence has no place in our constitutional democracy,” said Cachalia.
Meanwhile, a group representing labour unions of Cosatu, Fedusa, Saftu and Nactu confirms that 30 June protests were not called by any recognised labour federation. Therefore, it carries none of the lawful protections of a legal strike. As such, their message to workers is blunt: “Miss work and you risk your job!”
But what do you think? Will 30 June protests go ahead? Or will the SAPS be prepared enough this time around?
Labour federations have urged workers not to participate in the planned 30 June anti-illegal immigration protest, saying it is not a recognised or protected labour action.
Union leaders argue that South Africa’s economic challenges stem from corruption, poor governance and state failure rather than migration.
Their comments have sparked backlash from some South Africans who believe undocumented migration places additional pressure on public services and job opportunities.
Organised labour has warned against blaming migrants for South Africa’s economic crisis, saying they should not be used as scapegoats for leadership failures.
Speaking at a joint press briefing at Nedlac in Rosebank on Wednesday, 17 June 2026, labour federations COSATU, FEDUSA, SAFTU and NACTU said poverty, unemployment and failing public services are rooted in corruption, weak governance and state incapacity.
The federations also raised concerns about what they described as coordinated anti-migrant sentiment, warning that it threatens working-class unity and could fuel xenophobia, tribalism and violence.
They said that while citizens have the right to demand effective immigration control, no individual or group has the right to stop people in the streets, demand identification documents, raid workplaces or block access to public services.
The organisations further condemned employers who knowingly hire undocumented migrants to pay lower wages, evade labour laws and weaken collective bargaining.
The federations are calling for stronger labour inspections, more effective border management, improved Home Affairs systems and the criminal prosecution of employers who exploit vulnerable workers.
“Workers’ solidarity is undermined and the principles of internationalism that have historically strengthened the labour movement then get weakened. The solution is not to blame migrant workers, who are also victims of economic hardship, but to address the structural conditions that force people to migrate and to build unity amongst workers,” said SAFTU General Secretary Zwelinzima Vavi.
The labour federations have also urged workers not to participate in the planned national action on 30 June, warning that it has not been called by recognised labour federations and does not constitute a protected strike.
These views echo comments made by former President Thabo Mbeki during HIS Africa Day address last month. Mbeki said South Africans are directing their anger at the wrong people for the social and economic challenges affecting the country, including unemployment, poverty and poor access to public healthcare.
He argued that the country’s leadership should instead be held accountable for the crisis facing the nation.
The comments have sparked strong reactions among many South Africans, particularly those from underprivileged communities, who argue that the country’s leaders are out of touch with the realities faced by ordinary citizens.
Many young South Africans have also taken to social media to express their views, arguing that privileged individuals should not dictate how disadvantaged communities address their challenges.
Some have claimed that public healthcare facilities are under pressure due to growing demand and migration-related issues.
Others argued that those opposing the 30 June 2026 action have never experienced the long queues at public healthcare facilities and are therefore commenting from a position of privilege.
Meanwhile, protests against undocumented foreign nationals continue in parts of the country, with residents in Ekurhuleni reportedly shutting down foreign-owned shops.
