In 2024, the unemployment rate in South Africa, already the world’s highest, further increased to 32.1% in the fourth quarter of 2023, as detailed in the government’s official figures. The Quarterly Labor Force Survey has reported that the last three months of 2023 witnessed an increase in the number of unemployed working-age people in South Africa to 7.9 million, up by 46,000 from 31.9%. This data is especially unvealing for the ruling African National Congress party who are facing an uphill battle in the upcoming elections, due to the high unemployment rate which is a significant issue for voters. Particularly for young job-seekers aged 15-24, the struggle continues with an unemployment rate of 59.4% at the end of last year. The ANC, in government since the end of apartheid in 1994, has experienced a decline in support over the past 30 years for its unfulfilled commitments on jobs, housing, and public services. Depending on the election results, the ANC might need to consider a coalition to retain governmental control and ensure President Cyril Ramaphosa’s second and final five-year term. The alarm bells for the ANC were sounded in the 2021 local elections when for the first time the party obtained less than 50% in votes. The main opposition party, the Democratic Alliance, is considering a coalition with several smaller parties in an attempt to oust the ANC from the government. The exact date for this year’s election has not yet been confirmed, though it is likely to occur between May and August.

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