TimesLIVE reports that according to the Public Servants Association (PSA), SA’s rising unemployment is a crisis that demands co-ordinated, bold and inclusive action.

This after the latest unemployment figures released this week by Stats SA 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 situation underscores the persistent structural challenges facing the country’s labour market,” the PSA noted. The trade union pointed out that 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 was 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 warned. It 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,” the PSA advised, adding that there was also a need to ensure transparency and accountability in the implementation of employment stimulus packages.

• Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Ernest Mabuza at TimesLIVE

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