South Africa's latest employment figures have once again raised alarm over the country's jobs crisis. Statistics South Africa's second-quarter 2026 Quarterly Labour Force Survey shows the official unemployment rate rising to 33.6%, with 345,000 more people joining the ranks of the unemployed, while total employment fell to around 16.7 million. RISE Mzansi argues that these figures are evidence that South Africa's current economic approach is no longer working, saying government needs a fundamentally different approach to job creation and economic growth. We spoke to RISE Mzansi's National leader, Songezo Zibi to unpack South Africa's jobs crisis and what needs to change.

South Africa's latest employment figures have once again raised alarm over the country's jobs crisis. Statistics South Africa's second-quarter 2026 Quarterly Labour Force Survey shows the official unemployment rate rising to 33.6%, with 345,000 more people joining the ranks of the unemployed, while total employment fell to around 16.7 million. RISE Mzansi argues that these figures are evidence that South Africa's current economic approach is no longer working, saying government needs a fundamentally different approach to job creation and economic growth. We spoke to RISE Mzansi's National leader, Songezo Zibi to unpack South Africa's jobs crisis and what needs to change.

RISE Mzansi says South Africa's current economic approach is no longer working

The City of Johannesburg says it cannot directly employ 385 casual Pikitup workers because they are contracted through a service provider. Deputy Mayor Loyiso Masuku says the City has a Service Level Agreement with that company and negotiations are ongoing to resolve the waste collection strike that has left rubbish piling up across the city. 

The City of Johannesburg says it cannot directly employ 385 casual Pikitup workers because they are contracted through a service provider. Deputy Mayor Loyiso Masuku says the City has a Service Level Agreement with that company and negotiations are ongoing to resolve the waste collection strike that has left rubbish piling up across the city.&nbsp;

COJ says it cannot directly absorb 385 Pikitup  casual workers 

Parliament says its ICT records do not support claims by National Coloured Congress MP Fadiel Adams that his parliamentary laptop was persistently faulty for 18 months. Mr Adams told the Madlanga Commission yesterday the device had repeatedly frozen and delayed his access to correspondence. Parliament spokesperson, Moloto Mothapo elaborates. We also spoke to Dr. Bongani Nkosi, Criminal Law expert at the University of Limpopo.

Parliament says its ICT records do not support claims by National Coloured Congress MP Fadiel Adams that his parliamentary laptop was persistently faulty for 18 months. Mr Adams told the Madlanga Commission yesterday the device had repeatedly frozen and delayed his access to correspondence. Parliament spokesperson, Moloto Mothapo elaborates. We also spoke to Dr. Bongani Nkosi, Criminal Law expert at the University of Limpopo.

Fadiel Adams’ faulty laptop claims questioned 

The Government is proposing sweeping changes to close loopholes in mining law with harsher penalties for illegal operations. Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi says the General Mining Laws Amendment Bill will make illicit mining and related activities criminal offences. The bill proposes fines of up to R100 million and jail terms of up to 30 years and amends the Diamonds Act, Precious Metals Act and other laws. This comes as 14 illegal miners died in a cave-in at a disused site in Nkaneng near Rustenburg. Police are still searching for possible survivours. We spoke to Benchmark Foundation lead researcher and activist, David Van Wyk.

The Government is proposing sweeping changes to close loopholes in mining law with harsher penalties for illegal operations. Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi says the General Mining Laws Amendment Bill will make illicit mining and related activities criminal offences. The bill proposes fines of up to R100 million and jail terms of up to 30 years and amends the Diamonds Act, Precious Metals Act and other laws. This comes as 14 illegal miners died in a cave-in at a disused site in Nkaneng near Rustenburg. Police are still searching for possible survivours. We spoke to Benchmark Foundation lead researcher and activist, David Van Wyk.

Government proposes harsher penalties for illegal mining operations

The National Employers' Association of South Africa, NEASA has raised concern over unannounced blitz inspections at businesses by some Ministers, Deputy Ministers and politicians with camera crews. The employers' body says only labour inspectors and immigration officers are permitted to enter premises to enforce labour, immigration and workplace safety laws. This follows reports of politicians detaining undocumented workers during coordinated inspections aimed at curbing labour exploitation. We spoke to NEASA National Manager, Jaco Swart.

The National Employers' Association of South Africa, NEASA has raised concern over unannounced blitz inspections at businesses by some Ministers, Deputy Ministers and politicians with camera crews. The employers' body says only labour inspectors and immigration officers are permitted to enter premises to enforce labour, immigration and workplace safety laws. This follows reports of politicians detaining undocumented workers during coordinated inspections aimed at curbing labour exploitation. We spoke to NEASA National Manager, Jaco Swart.

NEASA concerned over unannounced blitz inspections at businesses 

The Democratic Alliance is calling for due process following the arrest of Patriotic Alliance Cape Town mayoral candidate Cheslyn Daniels and his wife Deveney for alleged assault. Police detained the pair over allegations of assault involving Daniels' former wife. The DA says no political office should place anyone above the law and is questioning the PA's candidate selection ahead of local elections. We spoke to Patricia van der Ross, DA First Deputy Chairperson of the DA in the Cape Metro Region.

The Democratic Alliance is calling for due process following the arrest of Patriotic Alliance Cape Town mayoral candidate Cheslyn Daniels and his wife Deveney for alleged assault. Police detained the pair over allegations of assault involving Daniels' former wife. The DA says no political office should place anyone above the law and is questioning the PA's candidate selection ahead of local elections. We spoke to Patricia van der Ross, DA First Deputy Chairperson of the DA in the Cape Metro Region.

DA calls for due process following the arrest of Patriotic Alliance Cape Town mayoral candidate Cheslyn Daniels 

South Africa's unemployment crisis is deepening, with the latest Quarterly Labour Force Survey showing the official unemployment rate rising to 33.6%, while the expanded rate stands at 43.8%. A further 345,000 people have joined the ranks of the unemployed, while overall employment has declined. COSATU says these figures are more than just statistics, they are evidence of an economic crisis that demands urgent and decisive action. The federation is calling for a major stimulus package, investment in public and municipal services, support for SMMEs, infrastructure investment and an expansion of public employment programmes. We spoke to Matthew Parks, Cosatu Parliamentary Coordinator.

 

South Africa's unemployment crisis is deepening, with the latest Quarterly Labour Force Survey showing the official unemployment rate rising to 33.6%, while the expanded rate stands at 43.8%. A further 345,000 people have joined the ranks of the unemployed, while overall employment has declined. COSATU says these figures are more than just statistics, they are evidence of an economic crisis that demands urgent and decisive action. The federation is calling for a major stimulus package, investment in public and municipal services, support for SMMEs, infrastructure investment and an expansion of public employment programmes. We spoke to Matthew Parks, Cosatu Parliamentary Coordinator.
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COSATU says South Africa's job crisis is now an economic emergency  

The United Democratic Movement in the Western Cape is calling for an urgent, coordinated crackdown on organized crime following a deadly weekend of shootings in Langa, Gugulethu and Khayelitsha that left eleven people dead. The party says repeated condemnations are no longer enough, warning that gangsterism, illegal firearms, drugs and extortion have evolved into a deeply entrenched criminal economy. It's also raising serious concerns about mistrust between communities and police, arguing that fear of retaliation is preventing residents from coming forward with information. We spoke to Bulelwa Zondeka, Chairperson of the UDM in the Western Cape.

The United Democratic Movement in the Western Cape is calling for an urgent, coordinated crackdown on organized crime following a deadly weekend of shootings in Langa, Gugulethu and Khayelitsha that left eleven people dead. The party says repeated condemnations are no longer enough, warning that gangsterism, illegal firearms, drugs and extortion have evolved into a deeply entrenched criminal economy. It's also raising serious concerns about mistrust between communities and police, arguing that fear of retaliation is preventing residents from coming forward with information. We spoke to Bulelwa Zondeka, Chairperson of the UDM in the Western Cape.

UDM  in the Western Cape concerned about the escalating crime

A known gangster out on bail has been taken in for questioning following the brutal murder of two Gauteng Anti-Gang Unit constables and two civilian women in Reiger Park, Boksburg. A high-level, multi-disciplinary police team made the breakthrough on Sunday following intense weekend tracing operations at the KwaDukathole informal settlement in Germiston. Law enforcement teams recovered two stolen SAPS R5 rifles during the operation. Police have vowed to relentlessly pursue those targeting officers and communities. SABC News Reporter Refilwe Mekoa filed this report..We also spoke to Shadrack Sheti Mdluli, Community Advocate and Servant Leader.

A known gangster out on bail has been taken in for questioning following the brutal murder of two Gauteng Anti-Gang Unit constables and two civilian women in Reiger Park, Boksburg. A high-level, multi-disciplinary police team made the breakthrough on Sunday following intense weekend tracing operations at the KwaDukathole informal settlement in Germiston. Law enforcement teams recovered two stolen SAPS R5 rifles during the operation. Police have vowed to relentlessly pursue those targeting officers and communities. SABC News Reporter Refilwe Mekoa filed this report..We also spoke to Shadrack Sheti Mdluli, Community Advocate and Servant Leader.

Police vow to relentlessly pursue those targeting officers and communities

The government is warning the public to remain vigilant as adverse weather conditions trigger widespread travel disruptions across multiple provinces. The National Disaster Management Centre is monitoring high-risk zones. Motorists have been advised to postpone non-essential long-distance travel, respect all official road closures and keep vulnerable people and livestock sheltered from the extreme cold. We spoke to William Baloyi, Deputy Government Spokesperson.

The government is warning the public to remain vigilant as adverse weather conditions trigger widespread travel disruptions across multiple provinces. The National Disaster Management Centre is monitoring high-risk zones. Motorists have been advised to postpone non-essential long-distance travel, respect all official road closures and keep vulnerable people and livestock sheltered from the extreme cold. We spoke to William Baloyi, Deputy Government Spokesperson.

Government warns the public to remain vigilant amid adverse weather conditions 

News and Current Affairs show between 5 & 6 am on SAfm 104 to 107 anchored by Tsepiso Makwetla

First Take SA

A weekly news and current affairs show presented by Elvis Presslin on SAfm 104 to 107 from 5:00 to 6:00 am.

A weekly news and current affairs show presented by Elvis Presslin on SAfm 104 to 107 from 5:00 to 6:00 am.

First Take SA

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