Category: Africa

South Africa’s official unemployment rate has increased by 0.9 percentage point from 32.7% in the first quarter of 2026 to 33.6% in the second quarter of 2026.

This is according to the Quarterly Labour Force Survey released by Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) on Tuesday.

“There was an increase of 345 000 in the number of unemployed persons to 8.5 million, while there was a decrease of 16 000 in the number of employed persons to 16.7 million compared with the first quarter of 2026. This resulted in an increase of 329 000 (or 1.3%) in the labour force during the same period.

“The above changes in employment and unemployment resulted in the official unemployment rate (Labour Underutilisation (LU1)) increasing by 0.9 percentage point from 32.7% in the first quarter of 2026 to 33.6% in the second quarter of 2026,” Stats SA said.

The increases in industry employment were mainly recorded in Trade (70 000), Construction (39 000) and Finance (11 000). The largest decreases in employment were recorded in Community and social service (57 000), Mining (26 000), Agriculture and Manufacturing (15 000 each).

The number of persons employed in the formal sector and household sector decreased by 41 000 and 9 000, respectively, in the second quarter of 2026, and in the informal sector increased by 34 000 over the same period.

Mpumalanga (41 000), Eastern Cape (13 000) and Free State (9 000) were provinces that observed the highest increases in employment. Decreases in employment were recorded in Western Cape (48 000), Gauteng (22 000) and North West (15 000).

Discouraged job-seekers decreased by 227 000 to 3.7 million, other available job-seekers decreased by 49 000 to 861 000, and unavailable job-seekers decreased by 4 000 to 44 000, resulting in a net decrease of 280 000 to 4.6 million in the potential labour force (i.e. available persons but not seeking or unavailable but seeking).

Those outside the labour force for other reasons increased by 72 000 to 12.5 million.

Persons outside the labour force, which is the total of those in the potential labour force and others outside the labour force, decreased by 208 000 to 17.1 million in the second quarter of 2026.

“The results for the second quarter of 2026 show that the total number of unemployed youth (15-34 years) increased by 264 000 to 5,0 million compared with quarter one of 2026, while employed youth recorded a decrease of 40 000 to 5,6 million. As a result, the youth unemployment rate increased by 1.5 percentage points to 47.4% in the second quarter of 2026,” Stats SA said. –SAnews.gov.za

Police have made a breakthrough in the investigation into the killing of two Gauteng South African Police Service (SAPS) Anti-Gang Unit members and two civilian women, following the recovery of two SAPS R5 rifles in Germiston.

A person of interest has been taken in for questioning after the two firearms were recovered at the KwaDukathole Informal Settlement in Germiston on Sunday, 9 August 2026.

The breakthrough follows a weekend-long tracing operation conducted by a multi-disciplinary team comprising the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) Serious Organised Crime Investigation, Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA), Gauteng Crime Intelligence Tactical and Special Operations, the Provincial Tracking Team, Tactical Response Team and Anti-Gang Unit.

“The multi-disciplinary team engaged in a tracing operation of suspects allegedly involved in the murder of two Gauteng SAPS Anti-Gang Unit members, Constables Tlomatsana and Sibeko, as well as two civilian females, who are community members,” police said in a statement.

Acting National Head Lieutenant General Sphesihle Nkosi conveyed his condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of the slain officers, saying the arrest and recovery of the firearms demonstrated SAPS’s determination to pursue those who target police officers and communities.

According to police, the person taken in for questioning is a known gangster, who was out on bail and had several outstanding cases before the courts, including two counts of murder, two of attempted murder and possession of an unlicensed firearm.

The investigation into the killings remains ongoing, with police continuing to pursue all those allegedly involved.

“SAPS and the DPCI remain committed to dismantling criminal networks, removing illegal firearms from communities and ensuring that those who attack police officers are brought to justice. The investigation is continuing and we are not ruling out the possibility of more arrests,” police said. – SAnews.gov.za

Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has, on behalf of the provincial government and residents, passed his condolences to the family of former MEC Mzikayifani Elias “Mzi” Khumalo, who passed away on Monday.

Khumalo served as the province’s MEC responsible for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), e-Government, Research and Development.

“On behalf of the Gauteng Provincial Government, I extend our deepest and heartfelt condolences to the Khumalo family, his colleagues, friends and all those who knew and worked with him.

“We hope that, in this difficult time, you will find comfort in knowing that his life had meaning; that his service mattered and that he leaves behind a legacy that will continue to live on in the people and institutions he served,” Lesufi said.

At the time of his passing, Khumalo was serving as Chairperson of the Gauteng Provincial Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on COGTA.

“He served the people of this province selflessly. He understood that public service is about listening to people’s concerns, responding to their needs and working to build communities in which people can live with dignity and hope.

“It is therefore particularly touching that Mzi’s passing comes on the eve of the Local Government Elections. He would have continued playing an important role in the oversight of the province’s municipalities as they prepared for a new local government term.

“His absence will be deeply felt in the work of ensuring that municipalities remain accountable, responsive and focused on delivering services to the communities they serve,” the Premier said.

Acting Speaker of the Gauteng Provincial Legislature, Vuyo Mhlakaza-Manamela, added that Khumalo’s death leaves a “profound void” in the Legislature.

“As Chairperson of the COGTA Portfolio Committee, he approached his responsibilities with seriousness, discipline and a deep understanding of the challenges facing municipalities. He was never afraid to ask difficult questions, demand accountability and ensure that communities remained at the centre of our oversight work.

“His passing is a loss to this Legislature and to the democratic institutions and communities to which he dedicated his life. We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, comrades and colleagues,” Mhlakaza-Manamela said. – SAnews.gov.za

From conducting investigations and placing victims at the centre of the policing response to pursuing justice and holding perpetrators accountable, Constable Malearongwa Mokoena has demonstrated that effective policing is not only about enforcing the law, but also about serving people with integrity, dignity and purpose.

The 28-year-old constable works for the South African Police Service (SAPS) as an investigator attached to the Welkom Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit.

Through her work, she has contributed to putting perpetrators of crimes against women and children behind bars.

As part of Women’s Month celebrations, the SAPS is paying tribute to its women in blue who are helping to shape a safer, more responsive and professional police service through its national campaign, “Women Leading the Reset Agenda.”

The campaign shines a light on the courage, resilience, dedication and professionalism of female police officers who serve on the front line of protecting women, children and other vulnerable members of society.

Their work reflects the values at the heart of the SAPS Reset Agenda — ethical leadership, accountability, professionalism and service excellence.

Through the campaign, SAPS is profiling exceptional women whose leadership, compassion and commitment are making a meaningful impact on communities and strengthening public confidence in policing.

Born and raised in QwaQwa in the Free State, Mokoena’s policing career began in 2019 at the SAPS Academy in Graaff-Reinet.

After completing the foundational phase of the Basic Police Development Learning Programme in 2020, Mokoena was placed at the Phuthaditjhaba Police Station.

The SAPS said the constable is a true testament to the phrase, “many are called, but only a few are chosen.”

This became evident when she was the only member of her group to be placed at the Welkom Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit.

At the time, Mokoena had never envisaged joining the FCS Unit, believing she would become too emotionally involved in investigating cases involving crimes against women, children and other vulnerable people.

“Constable Mokoena then decided to place her trust in God to lead her along the way. A recent success in court includes the sentencing of a 34-year-old stepfather to life imprisonment for repeatedly raping his minor stepdaughter between 2017 and 2018. The abuse continued over a period of time, with the perpetrator using threats to silence the victim,” the SAPS said.

The perpetrator threatened to evict the victim and her mother from his home if she disclosed what had happened.

“Despite these threats, the victim found the courage to break her silence and report the abuse, resulting in the opening of a rape case.

“Constable Mokoena’s tireless efforts led to a solid case being presented in court, and on 29 May 2029, the Bothaville Regional Court sentenced the accused to life imprisonment on two counts of rape,” the SAPS said.

While pursuing a Police Science degree, Constable Mokoena encourages victims to speak up and give police the opportunity to investigate their cases so that perpetrators are brought to book.

“Being an FCS investigator is more than just an investigative job. Through my meticulous investigations, perpetrators are brought to book, and victims of sexual offences reclaim their power back,” said Mokoena. – SAnews.gov.za

Government continues to monitor areas experiencing adverse weather conditions due to wet, very cold and windy conditions expected over the southern parts of the Free State, Northern Cape, Gauteng and Mpumalanga, as well as the interior of the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal.

“Government will continue to closely monitor the weather system and its impacts across the country and will coordinate with relevant authorities to ensure that appropriate measures are taken to protect communities and road users,” the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) said in a statement. 

The response measures are being coordinated through the National Disaster Management Centre (NDMC), provincial and local disaster management structures, traffic authorities, emergency services and other relevant stakeholders.

“Authorities are assessing road conditions, managing closures where necessary and working to keep affected routes safe and accessible where conditions permit. 

“Government further appeals to motorists to exercise patience and cooperate with traffic and emergency officials. Road closures are implemented to protect lives, and motorists should not attempt to bypass barriers or access roads that have been declared unsafe,” the GCIS said in a statement.

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued weather warnings for disruptive snow, disruptive rain and damaging winds in parts of the country on Tuesday.

“Members of the public are reminded that weather and road conditions can change rapidly. Roads that are currently open may subsequently be closed if conditions deteriorate, while previously closed routes may be reopened once they have been assessed and cleared by the relevant authorities.

“The public is urged to rely on official updates from the South African Weather Service, provincial traffic authorities, road agencies, disaster management structures and emergency services for the latest information,” the GCIS said.

Government urges the public to take the following precautions:

• Avoid unnecessary travel to areas affected by heavy snowfall, ice, strong winds, flooding or other hazardous weather conditions.
• Do not attempt to drive on roads that have been closed by traffic or emergency authorities.
• Motorists travelling on roads that remain open should reduce their speed, maintain a safe following distance and exercise extreme caution, particularly on mountain passes.
• Follow the instructions and guidance of traffic officials, emergency services and disaster management authorities.
• Check the latest weather and road conditions from verified sources before undertaking long-distance journeys.
• Where possible, postpone travel until conditions have improved and affected routes have been assessed and declared safe.
• Avoid sharing unverified information about road closures and weather conditions, as this may cause confusion and place motorists and communities at greater risk.
• Take precautions to protect children, older people and other vulnerable people from extreme cold.
• Farmers and livestock owners are encouraged to ensure that livestock and other animals are kept in safe, warm and adequately sheltered areas during periods of severe cold and snowfall.

–SAnews.gov.za

The South African Police Service (SAPS) in the Eastern Cape has taken note of an audio recording currently in circulation across various social media platforms, in which a person purporting to be a member of the Ngcobo Yethu Civic Organisation issues threats to bring about a complete shutdown of the town of Ngcobo, with effect from 05h00 on 11 August 2026. 

The organisation has previously led marches in the area concerning municipal grievances.

“SAPS views these threats with the utmost seriousness. In response, the Provincial Commissioner of the Eastern Cape, Lieutenant General Vuyisile Ncata, has directed the immediate deployment of additional operational resources, including Public Order Policing units and visible policing task teams, to the Ngcobo policing precinct to ensure public safety and the enforcement of law and order,” the police said in a statement.

SAPS further assured communities across the Eastern Cape that normal policing services and visibility remain fully maintained.

SAPS reaffirmed that the Constitution guarantees the right of every person to assemble peacefully and to protest, provided such actions are conducted within the legal framework.

“SAPS will not hesitate to effect the arrest and institute criminal proceedings against those who threaten public order or infringe upon the rights of others. Any individual or collective that resorts to criminal behaviour will be dealt with decisively and in accordance with the full provisions of the law,” the police said.

Members of the public are advised to remain vigilant but calm. Law enforcement agencies are in full control of the situation and are committed to protecting the constitutional rights and safety of all residents.

Any information pertaining to unlawful activities should be reported immediately to the nearest police station or to the SAPS Crime Stop hotline at 08600 10111. All information will be treated with strict confidentiality. – SAnews.gov.za

The Department of Employment and Labour in Mpumalanga will host a work seeker registration drive across the City of Mbombela Local Municipality from 13 – 20 August 2026, which is aimed at connecting unemployed South Africans with employment opportunities. 

The campaign will enable new work seekers to register on the Employment Services of South Africa (ESSA) system, while existing work seekers are encouraged to update their profiles to improve their chances of being matched with available opportunities. 

The registration drive will be particularly beneficial to work seekers with experience and skills in technical fields, information technology, waste management, operations, product and consignment control, specialist functions, and artisan trades. 

The department is encouraging people with skills or experience in banana ripening and cold store operations, IT, waste management, forklift, rocker bin and cherry picker operations, consignment control and product control, marketing, finance and procurement, as well as electrical and plumbing trades, to attend the registration sessions.

Registration sessions across Mbombela

The first registration session will take place on Thursday, 13 August at Phumlani, followed by a session on Friday, 14 August at Mathafini Old Wood House. 

On Monday, 17 August, the drive will move to Mathafini Eskomo at Mbombela Stadium, followed by Msholozi on Tuesday, 18 August.

Registration will continue at KaMagugu on Wednesday, 19 August and conclude at Brondal on Thursday, 20 August.

All sessions will run from 09:30 to 14:30.

Documents required

Work seekers attending the registration drive are requested to bring a comprehensive CV containing their contact details, qualifications, Grade 12 subjects passed, work experience and references.   

They should also bring proof of residence.

The Department said the registration of work seekers on the ESSA system is aimed at strengthening access to employment opportunities by ensuring that job seekers’ details, qualifications and skills are captured on the national database for potential matching with available opportunities. – SAnews.gov.za