Unemployment dips to 31.4% but experts urge caution

South Africa’s unemployment rate declined by 0,5 percentage points in the fourth quarter of 2025, easing to 31.4% from 31.9% in the previous quarter. While the latest figures point to modest improvement in the labour market, experts caution against celebrating too soon. Dr Memuna Williams, Founder and CEO of Empowering Sustainable Change, says sluggish economic growth remains a serious concern. She warns that if growth stays at current low levels, South Africa risks losing its competitive edge to other economies.