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The DA-led Western Cape Government continues to set the national benchmark for job creation and economic resilience.

According to Statistics South Africa’s Quarterly Labour Force Survey (QLFS) for the third quarter of 2025, the province recorded an official unemployment rate of 19.7%, the lowest in the country, compared to the national average of 31.9%.

The province also created 70 000 new jobs this quarter, the highest increase in employment of any province. This is a clear indication that the Western Cape’s Growth for Jobs strategy is gaining traction, driving confidence among businesses and investors across key industries. This demonstrates that the Western Cape’s economy continues to expand and absorb workers even under challenging global and domestic conditions.

The expanded unemployment rate — which includes discouraged jobseekers — sits at 25.8%, lower than any other province’s narrow unemployment rate. The province further achieved the highest labour absorption rate at 54.7%, meaning more than half of all working-age residents are employed. In addition, the labour force participation rate stands at 68.1%, tied with Gauteng as the most economically active population in South Africa.

The survey also shows encouraging sectoral growth. The construction, trade, and finance sectors all recorded significant employment gains in the province, reflecting continued investor confidence, strong infrastructure development, and a thriving private sector supported by targeted provincial initiatives.

Nationally, South Africa saw the unemployment rate fall by 1.3 percentage points to 31.9%, showing that economic recovery efforts are gaining momentum across the country. Within this context, the Western Cape’s sustained performance illustrates the effectiveness of a stable, well-managed economy that enables business to grow and employ.

These results come amid a period of global uncertainty, with ongoing geopolitical instability and rising input costs affecting markets worldwide. The province’s consistent results once again highlight that where the DA governs, jobs grow and economies remain resilient — even in the face of global and domestic headwinds.

Noko Masipa, MPP, DA Western Cape Spokesperson on Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism said: “These results are proof that focused, evidence-based policies work. Through the Growth for Jobs strategy, the DA is building a stronger, more inclusive economy that prioritises opportunity, stability, and innovation."

“As we move into the festive season, our focus remains on creating an environment where businesses can thrive and every new job strengthens our communities and our province.”

Issued by Noko Masipa, MPP - DA Western Cape Spokesperson on Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism