Sharp decline in non-agricultural sector employment

This brings number of people employed to 10,7 million, according to Statistics South Africa.

It released the Quarterly Employment Statistics on Tuesday. 

The survey shows 74,000 jobs were lost between March 2023 and March 2024.

Stats SA’s Director for Quarterly Employment Statistics, Matlapane Masupye, said the trade and community services industries saw the highest number of job losses.

The sectors lost 57,000 and 18,000, respectively.

This was followed by the business services industry, which lost 4,000 jobs, and the mining industry, which lost 3,000 jobs. 

"The electricity sector reported no change during the same period. Certain industries experienced growth in employment,” said Masupye. 

“The manufacturing industry saw an uptick of 12,000 jobs, trailed by the transport industry with 2,000 jobs, and the construction industry with 1,000 jobs.

“Full-time employment decreased by 29,000 jobs, falling from 9,513 000 in the fourth quarter of 2023 to 9,484 000 in the first quarter of 2024," he said.

Masupye said several industries witnessed a decline in full-time employment. 

"The trade industry observed a reduction of 35,000 jobs, followed by the community services industry with a loss of 13,000 jobs, and the mining industry with a decrease of 3,000 jobs.

Conversely, the manufacturing industry reported an increase of 18,000 jobs. Meanwhile, moderate increases were noted in the business services and construction industries, with 3000 jobs and 1,000 jobs, respectively," he added.

 ALSO READ