South Africa Unemployment Rate 1991-2024
Unemployment refers to the share of the labor force that is without work but available for and seeking employment.
- South Africa unemployment rate for 2022 was 29.81%, a 1.04% increase from 2021.
- South Africa unemployment rate for 2021 was 28.77%, a 4.43% increase from 2020.
- South Africa unemployment rate for 2020 was 24.34%, a 1.2% decline from 2019.
- South Africa unemployment rate for 2019 was 25.54%, a 1.32% increase from 2018.
| South Africa Unemployment Rate - Historical Data |
| Year |
Unemployment Rate (%) |
Annual Change |
| 2022 |
29.81% |
1.04% |
| 2021 |
28.77% |
4.43% |
| 2020 |
24.34% |
-1.20% |
| 2019 |
25.54% |
1.32% |
| 2018 |
24.22% |
0.23% |
| 2017 |
23.99% |
-0.03% |
| 2016 |
24.02% |
1.15% |
| 2015 |
22.87% |
0.26% |
| 2014 |
22.61% |
0.57% |
| 2013 |
22.04% |
0.25% |
| 2012 |
21.79% |
0.37% |
| 2011 |
21.42% |
-1.76% |
| 2010 |
23.18% |
2.67% |
| 2009 |
20.51% |
1.00% |
| 2008 |
19.51% |
-0.03% |
| 2007 |
19.54% |
-0.09% |
| 2006 |
19.64% |
-0.11% |
| 2005 |
19.74% |
-0.12% |
| 2004 |
19.87% |
-0.15% |
| 2003 |
20.02% |
-0.07% |
| 2002 |
20.09% |
-0.13% |
| 2001 |
20.22% |
-0.05% |
| 2000 |
20.27% |
-0.15% |
| 1999 |
20.42% |
-0.15% |
| 1998 |
20.57% |
-0.02% |
| 1997 |
20.60% |
-0.03% |
| 1996 |
20.63% |
-0.12% |
| 1995 |
20.75% |
-0.08% |
| 1994 |
20.83% |
-0.14% |
| 1993 |
20.97% |
-0.19% |
| 1992 |
21.16% |
-0.04% |
| 1991 |
21.19% |
-0.04% |
