According to Statistics South Africa’s second-quarter 2026 Quarterly Labour Force Survey, the
country’s official unemployment rate increased to 33.6%, up from 32.7% in the first quarter. The
number of unemployed people rose by 345,000 to approximately 8.5 million, while employment fell by
16,000.

According to Statistics South Africa&rsquo;s second-quarter 2026 Quarterly Labour Force Survey, the country&rsquo;s official unemployment rate increased to 33.6%, up from 32.7% in the first quarter. The number of unemployed people rose by 345,000 to approximately 8.5 million, while employment fell by 16,000.

At POWER 98.7 we invite you to join the conversation on every platform. Browse this selection of podcasts. Now we're talking.

At POWER 98.7 we invite you to join the conversation on every platform. Browse this selection of podcasts. Now we're talking.

The best of POWER Zone

After the day’s heavy conversations, POWER Zone tapers down the momentum with long format, reflective and insightful conversations. The show allows for those retiring for the day to take time to reflect on the day’s experiences. Those whose day begins at this time will enjoy the calm pace and amazing insights from the POWER listeners. The discussions, curated by guest hosts, are nuanced and explore a myriad of matters affecting the country, continent and the diaspora with customised themes on Africa, the youth, societal issues and the arts.

After the day&rsquo;s heavy conversations, POWER Zone tapers down the momentum with long format, reflective and insightful conversations. The show allows for those retiring for the day to take time to reflect on the day&rsquo;s experiences. Those whose day begins at this time will enjoy the calm pace and amazing insights from the POWER listeners. The discussions, curated by guest hosts, are nuanced and explore a myriad of matters affecting the country, continent and the diaspora with customised themes on Africa, the youth, societal issues and the arts.