UASA Media Release: 30 June 2026
Statement by Abigail Moyo, spokesperson of the trade union UASA:
The recently reported Quarterly Employment Statistics (QES) remind fellow South Africans of the persistent economic challenge, as the economy continues to struggle to create enough sustainable jobs.
According to Stats SA, various sectors, including community services, trade, transport and electricity, recorded some evident job losses. Although some jobs were gained in manufacturing, business services, mining, and construction, these jobs were not enough to offset the recorded job losses and create noticeable employment to cover the gap left in the industries where jobs were lost.
Total employment decreased by 80,000 quarter-on-quarter, from 10,548,000 in December 2025 to 10,468,000 in March 2026. Total employment decreased by 121,000 year-on-year between March 2025 and March 2026.
The overall employment picture does not look promising, given that the rate at which we are losing jobs exceeds the rate at which jobs are being created. The employment crisis remains far from over. Sadly, every retrenchment puts a family’s financial security at risk.
Various economic challenges, including low economic growth, high inflation, and fuel costs, have created an all-time crisis towards job creation and sustainability across trades and industries.
As South Africa continues to confront high unemployment and slow economic growth, UASA continues to advocate for the protection of decent work and the creation of new employment opportunities.
With a sustainable and growing economy, the process flow becomes self-sufficient, as people can generate income on their own, while those with capacity can create jobs for others.
For further enquiries or to set up a personal interview, contact Abigail Moyo at 065 170 0162.