South Africa's official unemployment rate fell in the final three months of last year, to 31.9% from 32.1% in the third quarter, data showed on Tuesday. Unemployment also fell in the previous three-month period.

The jobless rate declined to 31.9% in the three months through December, compared with 32.1% in the previous quarter, according to data released by Statistics South Africa in the capital, Pretoria, on Tuesday. That is the lowest rate since the third quarter of 2023.

South Africa’s official unemployment rate has dropped by 0.2 percentage points to 31.9% in the fourth quarter of 2024, down from 32.1% in the previous quarter. This is according to the latest Quarterly Labour Force Survey (QLFS) released by Statistics South Africa on Tuesday, 18 February.

South Africa's official unemployment rate fell slightly in the fourth quarter of last year, helped by job gains in the finance and manufacturing sectors.

When factoring in discouraged work seekers, South Africa’s North-West province has the worst unemployment rate with more people unemployed than working. South Africa continues to grapple with a severe unemployment crisis, with Statistics South Africa’s latest Quarterly Labour Force Survey (QLFS) highlighting the deep-rooted nature of the problem.

The latest Quarterly Labour Force Survey (QLFS) from Statistics South Africa reveals a positive shift in the country’s job market. The national unemployment rate has decreased to 31.9% while youth unemployment also saw a decline in the fourth quarter.

JUST IN: The country's official unemployment rate has dropped by a marginal 0,2 of a percent - coming down to 31,9% in the 4th quarter (2024). Despite this drop - 8 million eligible people are still jobless. Youth and black women remain among the hardest hit. @khanya_mntambo pic.twitter.com/okTWTDg5h6