Male unemployment in South Africa in 2025 — 30.99%. Ranked 181 in the world out of 182. Since 1991, the indicator has risen by 10.25 pp.
1991–2025 · % of male labor force
How the value compares with the world and the groups this territory belongs to: South Africa
| Year | % | Change, pp |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 30.99 | +0.58 pp |
| 2024 | 30.41 | +0.43 pp |
| 2023 | 29.98 | −1.51 pp |
| 2022 | 31.48 | −0.61 pp |
| 2021 | 32.1 | +4.37 pp |
| 2020 | 27.72 | +0.96 pp |
| 2019 | 26.76 | +1.66 pp |
| 2018 | 25.11 | −0.06 pp |
| 2017 | 25.17 | +0.66 pp |
| 2016 | 24.51 | +1.33 pp |
| 2015 | 23.17 | +0.05 pp |
| 2014 | 23.12 | +0.19 pp |
| 2013 | 22.92 | +0.11 pp |
| 2012 | 22.81 | +0.29 pp |
| 2011 | 22.52 | −0.28 pp |
| 2010 | 22.8 | +0.94 pp |
| 2009 | 21.86 | +2.22 pp |
| 2008 | 19.64 | +0.13 pp |
| 2007 | 19.51 | −0.05 pp |
| 2006 | 19.56 | −0.16 pp |
| 2005 | 19.72 | −0.09 pp |
| 2004 | 19.81 | −0.11 pp |
| 2003 | 19.93 | +0.07 pp |
| 2002 | 19.85 | −0.08 pp |
| 2001 | 19.94 | −0.14 pp |
| 2000 | 20.08 | −0.11 pp |
| 1999 | 20.19 | +0.11 pp |
| 1998 | 20.07 | +0.16 pp |
| 1997 | 19.92 | −0.02 pp |
| 1996 | 19.94 | −0.27 pp |
| 1995 | 20.21 | −0.44 pp |
| 1994 | 20.65 | −0.29 pp |
| 1993 | 20.94 | −0.07 pp |
| 1992 | 21.01 | +0.27 pp |
| 1991 | 20.74 | — |
The same indicator for neighboring countries — with links to their pages
The share of the male labor force that is unemployed. The gap between the sexes shows up only when this series is compared with the female one, and it is not universal — in Southern Europe and Latin America female unemployment is markedly higher, while in a number of countries of Eastern Europe and Africa male unemployment is higher, because men work in industries sensitive to a downturn.
Important: The denominator is the male labor force, not the whole male population: men who neither work nor look for work are not in it.
Source: ILOSTAT (ILO), license CC BY 4.0.
The unemployment rate of the female part of the labor force.
Labor Unemployment rateThe share of the labor force that is looking for work and available to start.
Labor Youth unemploymentThe unemployment rate at ages 15–24 — almost always two to three times the overall rate.
Labor Unemployment rate (IMF)Unemployment as estimated by the IMF — with a forecast, for countries with reliable labor market statistics.
Labor Labor forceThe number of people employed or actively looking for work — the economically active population.
Labor Labor force participation rateWhat share of the population aged 15 and over works or looks for work.
