Following the release of the South African official unemployment rate by Statistics South Africa, which increased by 1.0 percentage point to 32.9% in the first quarter of 2025, yesterday, May 13. The Eastern Cape government has also noted the increased unemployment rate in the province.
The provincial government issued a statement noting with concern that the province’s unemployment rate has increased by 2.7%.
The statement read: “This marks regression when compared to the fourth quarter of 2024 as reflected in the Quarterly Labour Survey, where unemployment had recorded a decrease by 0.6%, from 37.2% in the third quarter to 36.6% in the fourth quarter of 2024.”
The statement concluded by stating the Provincial Government is still committed to intensifying efforts towards reducing the unemployment rate in the province, particularly amongst the youth. As such, job creation remains a key priority for the provincial government.
