South Africa’s official unemployment rate rising to 33.7% reflects a structural deficit: the economy is simply not expanding fast enough to absorb the volume of new entrants joining the labor force. Even in quarters where net jobs are added—such as the 101,000 jobs created in Q3 2026—they are routinely outpaced by the growth of job-seekers (198,000 entering the market over the same period), causing the overall rate to climb. Prof Vimal Ranchhod Director of the Southern Africa Labour and Development Research Unit, School of Economics at the University of Cape Town discusses on the Power Breakfast show.

<p>South Africa&rsquo;s official unemployment rate rising to 33.7% reflects a structural deficit: the economy is simply not expanding fast enough to absorb the volume of new entrants joining the labor force. Even in quarters where net jobs are added&mdash;such as the 101,000 jobs created in Q3 2026&mdash;they are routinely outpaced by the growth of job-seekers (198,000 entering the market over the same period), causing the overall rate to climb.&nbsp;Prof Vimal Ranchhod Director of the&nbsp;Southern Africa Labour and&nbsp;Development Research Unit, School of&nbsp;Economics at the University of Cape&nbsp;Town discusses on the Power Breakfast show.</p>

POWER Breakfast is a fast-paced three-hour news and current affairs show, alternating between the latest breaking news, political coverage, analysis, sport, market reports, weather and all your calls. Whether you’re in business, the public service or just want to stay informed, tune in as Thabiso TT Tema connects you to your world.

<p>POWER Breakfast is a fast-paced three-hour news and current affairs show, alternating between the latest breaking news, political coverage, analysis, sport, market reports, weather and all your calls. Whether you&rsquo;re in business, the public service or just want to stay informed, tune in as Thabiso TT Tema connects you to your world.</p>