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The latest Quarterly Labour Force Survey for Q1 2025 confirms what South Africans already feel in their homes and communities - unemployment is getting worse, not better. The official unemployment rate has climbed to a shocking 32.9%, up from 31.9% in Q4 2024. This translates to 8.2 million South Africans officially unemployed, with a further 3.5 million discouraged work seekers who have given up trying to find work, and 16.7 million people not economically active. In total, nearly 25 million South Africans of working age have no income to support themselves or their families.

The situation for young South Africans is particularly dire. Youth unemployment (ages 15 - 34) has escalated to 46.1%, while 45.1% of young people are not in employment, education or training (NEET). 

More disturbingly, this is not a new trend. South Africa’s stagnant economic growth has fuelled almost two decades of rising unemployment. South Africa is not just facing an unemployment crisis, it’s facing a crisis of dignity. Every lost job means another family pushed into poverty. Every discouraged worker is a symbol of a broken economic system.

Unemployment is a major contributor to inequality and poverty. Despite President Ramaphosa’s commitment in the State of the Nation Address to build on the Social Relief of Distress Grant as the basis for “a sustainable form of income support,” the Budget impasse has meant the Government of National Unity has yet to take decisive action.

The GOOD Party reiterates its call for the implementation of a Basic Income Grant of at least R1000 per month, above the food poverty line and just below the lower-bound poverty line. This isn’t charity, it’s economic justice and a moral obligation. Every rand spent on social support will circulate back into the South African economy. Supporting people means supporting recovery. 

All ten parties in the GNU agreed to create a fairer, more just society. 

The time for action is now.

Issued by Brett Herron, GOOD Secretary-General