Statistics South Africa (Stats SA)
By Natalie Naidoo
In a recent update, Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) reported a modest 0.1% increase in employment during the last quarter of 2024, bringing some relief to the country’s labour market. The figures, released on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, at 11:13 AM PDT, highlight a slight uptick in total employment, reaching 10.64 million jobs by December 2024. This growth, however, comes with mixed results across various industries, reflecting the complex economic landscape in South Africa.
Sectoral Shifts and Job Trends
The employment boost was driven by gains in trade, business services, transport, and electricity sectors. These industries contributed to the addition of 12,000 jobs, offering a glimmer of hope amid broader challenges. However, this positive trend was offset by a loss of 3,000 jobs due to declines in community services, manufacturing, construction, and mining. This tug-of-war between growth and decline underscores the uneven recovery across South Africa’s economic sectors.
Part-time employment also saw a slight rise of 0.2% quarter-on-quarter, indicating a shift toward more flexible work arrangements. On the earnings front, basic salaries paid to employees increased by R9.5 billion, marking a 1.1% rise. Gross earnings saw a more significant jump of R59.1 billion, or 6.1%, though this was tempered by a 0.2% decrease in some areas. Bonuses paid to employees surged by R51.8 billion, reflecting efforts to reward workers, while overtime payments dropped by R2.2 billion. Stats SA noted that the decrease in overtime was largely due to reduced activity in business services, community services, transport, and electricity, though construction, trade, and manufacturing showed some resilience with increased activity.
Economic Context and Implications
This modest employment growth occurs against a backdrop of broader economic stagnation, as highlighted by recent provincial budget presentations, such as Limpopo’s R86 billion plan. The national unemployment rate, which stood at 32.1% in the third quarter of 2024, has been a persistent concern, and the slight uptick in jobs offers a cautious sign of progress. However, the loss of jobs in key sectors like manufacturing and mining suggests ongoing structural challenges that require targeted interventions.
The increase in salaries and bonuses could boost consumer spending, potentially stimulating economic activity in the short term. Yet, the decline in overtime payments and the uneven sectoral performance raise questions about the sustainability of this growth. Experts might argue that while the 0.1% rise is a step forward, it falls short of the robust job creation needed to address South Africa’s high unemployment rate, especially among the youth.
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