SA ‘becoming a construction site' as sector adds 55,000 jobs year-on-year
'The construction sector added 20,000 jobs in the second quarter and 55,000 jobs year-on-year — a 4.6% increase. This is proof that we are turbocharging the construction sector that drives jobs and growth in South Africa,' Macpherson said.
He made the remarks on an X post after the release of Stats SA's quarterly labour force survey (QLFS) for the second quarter of 2025, which showed mixed results across industries.
According to Stats SA, the number of people employed in the formal sector increased by 34,000 in Q2 and the informal sector employment decreased by 19,000 over the same period. The largest industry increases in employment were recorded in:

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The Herald
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SA ‘becoming a construction site' as sector adds 55,000 jobs year-on-year
Overall, Q2 recorded 1,115,000 men employed in construction compared with 144,000 women. The report also showed unemployment increased despite job gains in several industries. The official unemployment rate rose from 31.9% to 33.3% in Q2. 'The number of employed people increased by 19,000 to 16.8-million and the number of unemployed people increased by 140,000 to 8.4-million compared with Q1,' Stats SA reported. The number of discouraged work-seekers fell by 28,000 (down 0.8%), while the number of people not economically active for other reasons remained unchanged. Compared with the same period last year: the working-age population grew by 526,000 (+1.3%); total employment increased by 154,000 (+0.9%); unemployment dropped by 16,000; and those not economically active rose by 388,000 (+2.4%). Stats SA noted six of 10 industries shed jobs in the second quarter, underscoring the fragility of South Africa's labour market. TimesLIVE

The Herald
15 hours ago
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PSA proposes steps for government to take to tackle unemployment crisis
South Africa's rising unemployment is a crisis that demands co-ordinated, bold and inclusive action. The Public Servants' Association (PSA) made this comment after the latest unemployment figures released by Stats SA this week showed a rise in the official unemployment rate to 33.2% in the second quarter of 2025, up from 32.9% in the previous quarter. This marked the third consecutive quarterly increase and brought the total number of unemployed South Africans to 8.4-million. 'This situation underscores the persistent structural challenges facing the country's labour market,' the PSA said. It said while employment gains were recorded in sectors such as construction, mining and private households, these were overshadowed by significant job losses in finance, agriculture, community and social services, and transport. 'The PSA is particularly alarmed by the decline in employment in the financial services sector, traditionally a key driver of economic growth and job creation.' The union noted the disturbing statistics regarding youth unemployment and the 'not in employment, education or training (NEET)' rate, which remained above 43% for people aged 15-34. 'This reflects a growing disengagement of young people from the labour market and education system, posing long-term risks to social stability and economic development.' The union urged the government to accelerate labour-intensive public infrastructure projects to absorb unemployed youth and low-skilled workers. Support was also required for small and medium enterprises through targeted funding and regulatory reform to stimulate job creation. 'It is critical to strengthen vocational training and skills development programmes, particularly in rural and underserved communities.' There was also a need to ensure transparency and accountability in the implementation of employment stimulus packages. 'The PSA calls on Stats SA to expedite its planned revisions to the labour force survey methodology to better capture informal-sector employment. This may provide a more accurate picture of economic activity and inform more effective policy responses.' TimesLIVE

TimesLIVE
a day ago
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PSA proposes steps for government to take to tackle unemployment crisis
South Africa's rising unemployment is a crisis that demands co-ordinated, bold and inclusive action. The Public Servants' Association (PSA) made this comment after the latest unemployment figures released by Stats SA this week showed a rise in the official unemployment rate to 33.2% in the second quarter of 2025, up from 32.9% in the previous quarter. This marked the third consecutive quarterly increase and brought the total number of unemployed South Africans to 8.4-million. 'This situation underscores the persistent structural challenges facing the country's labour market,' the PSA said. It said while employment gains were recorded in sectors such as construction, mining and private households, these were overshadowed by significant job losses in finance, agriculture, community and social services, and transport. 'The PSA is particularly alarmed by the decline in employment in the financial services sector, traditionally a key driver of economic growth and job creation.' The union noted the disturbing statistics regarding youth unemployment and the 'not in employment, education or training (NEET)' rate, which remained above 43% for people aged 15-34. 'This reflects a growing disengagement of young people from the labour market and education system, posing long-term risks to social stability and economic development.' The union urged the government to accelerate labour-intensive public infrastructure projects to absorb unemployed youth and low-skilled workers. Support was also required for small and medium enterprises through targeted funding and regulatory reform to stimulate job creation. 'It is critical to strengthen vocational training and skills development programmes, particularly in rural and underserved communities.' There was also a need to ensure transparency and accountability in the implementation of employment stimulus packages. 'The PSA calls on Stats SA to expedite its planned revisions to the labour force survey methodology to better capture informal-sector employment. This may provide a more accurate picture of economic activity and inform more effective policy responses.'