Media Statement

The African National Congress (ANC) has noted the latest unemployment statistics released by Stats-SA, today, which highlight the continued challenges facing South Africa’s labour market, particularly the persistent gender disparities and the disproportionate impact of unemployment on women and young people. The data shows that women continue to experience higher unemployment rates than men across all education levels, while young South Africans remain among the hardest hit by unemployment. These realities reinforce the urgency of intensifying efforts to expand economic opportunities, accelerate inclusive growth, create sustainable employment and advance the economic empowerment of historically marginalised groups.

The ANC recognises that more needs to be done to overcome historical inequalities and economic barriers. Women, including those with tertiary qualifications, continue to face challenges such as unequal access to opportunities, occupational segregation and barriers to advancement. Young people entering the labour market similarly face challenges linked to limited work experience, skills mismatches and the impact of slow economic growth on job creation.

The ANC-led government continues to implement measures aimed at expanding employment opportunities and supporting economic inclusion. These include the Presidential Employment Stimulus, which has created hundreds of thousands of work opportunities, the Basic Education Employment Initiative, which has provided work experience to unemployed youth, and youth-focused interventions through institutions such as the National Youth Development Agency. Government has also expanded support for women-owned enterprises, skills development, entrepreneurship and small business growth.

As the country observes Women’s Day, the ANC reaffirms that gender equality and youth empowerment are central to the broader struggle for economic transformation. The latest unemployment figures reinforce the need to accelerate interventions that promote inclusive economic growth, investment, skills development and decent work opportunities. The ANC remains committed to working with all sectors of society to remove barriers to economic participation and build an economy where women and young people are active participants and beneficiaries of development.

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