South Africa’s unemployment rate climbed to 33.6% in the second quarter of 2026, up from 32.7% in the previous quarter, despite a massive government-led exodus of foreign nationals. Data from the Quarterly Labour Force Survey indicates that the departure of over 178,000 immigrants has failed to alleviate local unemployment, with job opportunities actually declining further. Economists and local observers attribute the crisis to structural economic weaknesses and poor policy environments rather than immigration, noting that youth unemployment has worsened to 62.8%. Experts emphasize that long-term job creation depends on education and a more conducive environment for private sector investment.