💨 Abstract

Starting in August 2025, Stats SA will change how it counts unemployed South Africans by introducing a new Quarterly Labour Force (QLF) questionnaire. This change aims to better account for the informal sector, which, although valued at over R700 billion, was previously neglected. Experts believe this adjustment could lower the perceived unemployment rate from 33% to around 10%, as it will include informal workers like those in spaza shops.

Courtesy: Ray Leathern