The African Christian Democratic Party (ACDP) notes with deep concern the rise in South Africa’s unemployment rate, which increased to 32.7% in the first quarter of 2026 from 31.4% in the fourth quarter of 2025, as reported earlier today by Statistics South Africa (Stats SA).
We find it alarming that government to date has failed to arrest the worsening jobs crisis, with the number of unemployed South Africans increasing from 7.8 million to 8.1 million during this period.
While some positive strides have been made in other areas, little meaningful progress has been made in creating an economic environment conducive to growth and sustainable job creation, leaving our unemployment rate as the highest in the world. Our unemployed citizens in particular, are sadly left to suffer the devastating consequences of weak economic leadership and poor policy choices.
Political favouritism and reckless bilateral stunts have cost our country dearly as South Africa continues to bleed jobs, further deepening poverty and inequality among the most vulnerable in our society.
The ACDP believes that in order to change the trajectory of economic decline and destruction, government policy must be firmly rooted in what is genuinely in the best interests of the people of South Africa, rather than what serves those who hold political power.
Our young people, and women in particular, remain among the hardest hit by the unemployment crisis. Many stand ready and willing to contribute meaningfully to the betterment of their communities and the country, yet continue to be sidelined due to weak leadership and a government comprising parties that too often prioritise their own interests above those of all South Africans.
The ACDP calls on government to urgently implement practical economic reforms, support entrepreneurship and small businesses, restore investor confidence, and prioritise skills development and job creation initiatives that will provide tangible opportunities for unemployed South Africans.
