According to recent data from the World Bank, the total unemployment rate of South Africa was 28.74% in 2020, a difference of +0.27 points from 2019; and the total labor force of South Africa in 2020 was 21,742,744. The most recent figures on male and female unemployment rates were 26.78% and 30.5% respectively in 2019.

The World Bank defines unemployment rate as "the share of the labor force that is without work but available for and seeking employment".

The chart and table below shows the total, male, and female unemployment rates of South Africa for 1991-2020.

See also: Youth Unemployment Rate of South Africa.