Unemployment Rate of South Africa
Updated on May 15, 2023.
According to recent data from the World Bank, the total unemployment rate of South Africa was 29.81% in 2022, a difference of +1.04 points from 2021; and the total labor force of South Africa in 2022 was 24,308,964. The most recent figures on male and female unemployment rates were 28.40% and 31.43% respectively in 2022.
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 1991-2022.
See also: Youth Unemployment Rate of South Africa.
Data Source: World Bank.
Unemployment Rate of South Africa (%)
Total
Male
Female
Unemployment Rate of South Africa
Items per page:
0 of 0
| Year | Total Unempl.(%) | Male Unempl.(%) | Female Unempl.(%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1991 | 21.19 | 19.55 | 23.50 |
| 1992 | 21.16 | 19.48 | 23.47 |
| 1993 | 20.97 | 19.26 | 23.25 |
| 1994 | 20.83 | 19.09 | 23.09 |
| 1995 | 20.75 | 18.97 | 22.99 |
| 1996 | 20.63 | 18.81 | 22.85 |
| 1997 | 20.60 | 18.75 | 22.82 |
| 1998 | 20.57 | 18.70 | 22.81 |
| 1999 | 20.42 | 18.54 | 22.66 |
| 2000 | 20.27 | 18.37 | 22.51 |
| 2001 | 20.22 | 18.30 | 22.47 |
| 2002 | 20.09 | 18.15 | 22.35 |
| 2003 | 20.02 | 18.06 | 22.28 |
| 2004 | 19.87 | 17.89 | 22.13 |
| 2005 | 19.74 | 17.75 | 22.02 |
| 2006 | 19.64 | 17.63 | 21.92 |
| 2007 | 19.54 | 17.52 | 21.84 |
| 2008 | 19.51 | 17.47 | 21.83 |
| 2009 | 20.51 | 19.56 | 21.59 |
| 2010 | 23.18 | 21.69 | 24.93 |
| 2011 | 21.42 | 19.95 | 23.09 |
| 2012 | 21.79 | 20.43 | 23.35 |
| 2013 | 22.04 | 20.84 | 23.41 |
| 2014 | 22.61 | 21.19 | 24.25 |
| 2015 | 22.87 | 21.18 | 24.84 |
| 2016 | 24.02 | 22.32 | 26.01 |
| 2017 | 23.99 | 22.50 | 25.69 |
| 2018 | 24.22 | 22.77 | 25.88 |
| 2019 | 25.54 | 24.20 | 27.07 |
| 2020 | 24.34 | 23.26 | 25.58 |
| 2021 | 28.77 | 27.46 | 30.27 |
| 2022 | 29.81 | 28.40 | 31.43 |