How to thrive in SA's tough job market: embracing side hustles and inclusion
South Africa's unemployment statistics tell a sobering story. The latest Quarterly Labour Force Survey reveals that the unemployment rate has risen to 32.9% in Q1 2025, up from 31.9% in the previous quarter. Even more concerning, 76.7% of the country's unemployed people have been jobless for more than a year – a significant increase from 66.0% a decade ago.
For job seekers, these numbers aren't just statistics—they represent real challenges that require new strategies. The traditional approach of sending countless CVs and hoping for interviews simply isn't enough in today's competitive market.
What employers are looking for
While companies still prioritise qualifications and experience, many are increasingly focused on finding employees who reflect the communities they serve. This shift creates opportunities for candidates who might previously have been overlooked.
'You cannot find a more diverse place than South Africa,' notes Nomie Nxumalo, Executive Head of People and Transformation at Miway. 'If leaders want to attract the right customers, they need to have the right people in the organisation – people who reflect the communities they're serving.'
Nxumalo emphasises that this isn't just about ticking demographic boxes: 'It's about access, opportunity, and transformation. When you recruit from the communities you operate in, you're not just hiring staff, you're solving unemployment.'
Job seekers should research potential employers' diversity commitments before interviews. Companies with genuine inclusion programs often highlight these on their websites and social media. Look for specific initiatives rather than vague statements about valuing diversity.
Evaluating opportunities beyond salary
When considering job offers, today's savvy job seekers should look beyond just the paycheck. While compensation remains important, other factors significantly impact job satisfaction and career growth.
'Everyone needs to feed their families, but we're finding that young people today aren't only looking for a salary,' says Nxumalo. 'They want to know how we treat each other, what we're doing in our communities, and whether they'll have opportunities to grow.'
Questions worth asking potential employers include:
What professional development opportunities do you offer?
Do you have mentorship or sponsorship programs?
How do you support employees' wellbeing?
What community initiatives is the company involved in?
According to Nxumalo, sponsorship is particularly valuable: 'A sponsor is someone who opens doors for you, even when you're not in the room. That's the kind of support many young South African professionals have never had.'
Navigating the job market with a disability
For South Africans with disabilities, the employment landscape presents significant challenges. Current statistics show that while approximately 15% of South Africans have disabilities, the employment rate for disabled persons within companies is just 1.0%, with unemployment rates among this group estimated at over 86%.
'The stigma around disability – especially mental illness – is still massive,' says Nxumalo. Many companies, however, are beginning to partner with organisations like the Career and Disability Expo to change this reality. These collaborations aim to dismantle stubborn stigmas while creating meaningful employment opportunities.
Job seekers with disabilities should consider:
Researching companies with established disability inclusion programs
Connecting with specialised career expos and recruitment initiatives
Being prepared to discuss reasonable accommodations that could help you succeed in the role
Building digital skills that future-proof your career
As automation transforms workplaces, developing digital skills has become essential for long-term employability. With AI and automation reshaping the world of work, job seekers need to prioritise digital upskilling.
'Digital transformation has been happening for years, but what's changed is the speed,' notes Nxumalo. Programs focusing on data literacy, cybersecurity, and digital behavior are becoming increasingly important across industries.
Fortunately, South Africa offers several free and accessible digital skills training options:
Mzansi Digital Learning: Free courses in AI, entrepreneurship, cybersecurity
Grow with Google: Over 70 free online courses in digital marketing and business tools
MTN Skills Academy: Digital skills training focused on career advancement
ALX Africa: Practical courses in software engineering and data science
'Leaders need to be willing to be upskilled and reskilled too. You can't lead in a digital world if you're afraid of it,' Nxumalo points out. This means digital literacy is valuable at all career levels.
Read more | Overemployed and leading a double (remote) life – how having more than one full-time job works in SA
Embracing the side hustle generation
Perhaps the most significant opportunity for today's job seekers lies in embracing the 'side hustle' mentality—even when pursuing traditional employment.
'They're not chasing a nine-to-five; they're chasing impact,' observes Nxumalo about today's workforce. 'If we want to keep the next generation engaged, we need to design workplaces that support project-based, creative, and side-hustle mindsets.'
Successful approaches include:
When interviewing, don't hide your side projects—highlight them as evidence of your drive and creativity. Some companies are now actively encouraging internal 'gig work' and leveraging employee talents in unconventional ways — from hiring staff as DJs at events, to tapping into hidden talents like photography, coding, and content creation.
'You're not just one thing,' Nxumalo emphasizes. 'We want our people to bring their whole selves to work – because when you do that, you build a workplace that's truly inclusive.'
South Africa's unemployment crisis won't be solved overnight, but understanding how the employment landscape is changing helps individuals navigate it more effectively. By developing digital skills, embracing side projects, and seeking out truly inclusive employers, job seekers can position themselves for success even in a challenging market.
As Nxumalo concludes, 'This is how the private sector can move the needle on South Africa's deeply entrenched issue of economic exclusion.' For job seekers, this shift represents an opportunity to stand out by authentically sharing not just what you can do, but who you are.
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