Statistics South Africa (SA) said ​the number of unemployed people increased to ⁠8.481 million in April-June, compared to 8.137 in January to March.

The official jobless rate has ​been above 30% for more than five years and is among the highest in the world.

Job losses were ​broad-based in April-June, with employment declining ​in seven of the 10 sectors tracked by Stats ‌SA.

The community and social services sector recorded the largest job losses in the second quarter, followed by mining, agriculture and manufacturing.

Trade, construction and ​finance sector ​saw employment ⁠increases.

An expanded definition of unemployment, rose to 43.8% in the second ​quarter from 43.7% previously.

Young people and ​Black ⁠women remain the hardest hit by unemployment in SA, where the coalition government formed ⁠in ​2024 has struggled to boost ​job creation despite economic reforms and modest growth.

–Reuters–