Workers’ Day in South Africa (SA) has traditionally been a moment to honour workers and celebrate the dignity of labour. But in 2026, that meaning is increasingly being questioned.
Rising living costs, persistently high unemployment, and growing household debt are painting a starkly different picture for many South Africans. With unemployment sitting above 30%, electricity tariffs rising, and even graduates struggling to secure stable employment, the idea of celebrating the day feels out of touch with reality for some.
In an opinion piece, Governance and Elections expert, Tendai Mbanje from the University of Pretoria argues that for millions, the day is no longer about dignity or progress, but about survival, difficult choices, and unfulfilled promises.
Speaking in an interview, Mbanje said Labour Day should be understood within the context of current economic challenges, particularly unemployment, which stands at around 31.4%.
“I argue that on Labour Day, we should contextualise it amid the challenges around workers and labour. In the context of SA, unemployment is considerably high. One in three South Africans is unemployed. Workers are trapped in poverty, particularly the middle and lower middle class, and even graduates are unable to secure employment or make ends meet,” he said.
He warned that the scale of unemployment should be viewed as a crisis rather than just statistics.
“When the majority are not working, or if they are working but are unable to make ends meet, that becomes a concern of a serious nature,” he added.
Mbanje also highlighted the growing financial strain on employed South Africans, noting that many are relying on credit for basic needs.
“Many in the working class are buying food on credit and even cutting meals just to afford electricity and other basic necessities. This shows they are trapped in poverty, with rising prices and stagnant salaries making little difference whether one is employed or not,” he said.
He further pointed out that the issue extends beyond SA, with similar trends emerging across the African continent.
“There is a broader erosion of labour dignity across many African countries. From Zambia to other parts of the Southern African Development Community region, citizens are struggling with unemployment and the rising cost of living. It shows a need for collective efforts and effective policies to restore labour dignity,” Mbanje said.
He cautioned that the situation risks undermining faith in the idea that employment leads to upward mobility.
“When people cannot afford basic necessities like food, it becomes dehumanising. In a society with dignity, basic survival should not depend on credit,” he concluded.
–ChannelAfrica–
