Government has welcomed the latest Quarterly Labour Force Survey (QLFS) for the fourth quarter of 2025 results, which indicate an improvement in key labour market indicators.
According to Statistics South Africa (Stats SA), employment increased by 44 000 in the fourth quarter of 2025, while the number of unemployed persons decreased by 172 000.
As a result, the official unemployment rate declined by 0.5 percent.
“The improvement in employment reflects the resilience of the South African economy and the impact of targeted interventions aimed at stimulating growth, supporting businesses, and expanding labour market opportunities.
“Government has intensified actions to grow employment through accelerated infrastructure investment to unlock opportunities across key sectors of the economy,” Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) said on Tuesday.
The implementation of the Presidential Employment Stimulus continues to provide work opportunities, particularly for young people and women.
“Strengthened public-private partnerships are unlocking new investment and supporting industrial expansion to create long-term employment opportunities.
“Through Operation Vulindlela and ongoing economic reform measures, the government continues to remove structural constraints that limit growth, including energy stability and logistics efficiency. These reforms are laying the foundation for sustained job creation,” GCIS said.
Operation Vulindlela is a joint initiative of the Presidency and National Treasury to accelerate the implementation of structural reforms and support economic recovery.
It aims to modernise and transform network industries, including electricity, water, transport, and digital communications.
“South Africa’s progress requires sustained effort. Government calls on all social partners to work together to drive inclusive growth and ensure that more South Africans share in the benefits of economic development,” GCIS said. - SAnews.gov.za
