South Africa’s unemployment rate soared to 32.1% in the fourth quarter of 2023, marking it as the highest in the world, according to the official government figures released on Tuesday. The Quarterly Labor Force Survey revealed an increase of unemployed working-age people in South Africa to 7.9 million, reflecting a surge of 46,000 more jobless individuals in the last three months of 2023. This spike in unemployment represents a major setback for the leading African National Congress party, which is battling its most challenging election voyage ever in only a few months.

The emerging unemployment crisis is a prominent issue for voters. The jobless rate for those aged 15-24 stood at a staggering 59.4% by the end of the previous year, illustrating the continued struggle of Africa’s most advanced economy to secure jobs for young entrants into the workplaces. The ANC’s diminishing support over the past 30 years largely stems from its failure to providing employment, housing and essential services to the growing population of impoverished individuals.

A prediction of the ANC earning less than 50% of the vote in the upcoming national election, which would signify a monumental shift in South Africa’s politics has been observed. If the ANC loses its majority, a coalition would be required to maintain the party in government and protect President Cyril Ramaphosa’s office for a subsequent final five-year term. South Africa’s main opposing party, the Democratic Alliance, is discussing the likelihood of forming its coalition agreement with multiple smaller parties, with a potential aim to dislodge the ANC from the government. The national election date, anticipated to be held between May and August, has not been officially established.

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