Caitlyn Samuels

South Africa's official unemployment rate increased to 33.6% in the second quarter of 2026, according to the latest Quarterly Labour Force Survey released by Statistics South Africa (Stats SA).

The Department of Home Affairs has launched a new online service that allows South Africans to quickly find their nearest participating bank branch where they can apply for a Smart ID Card.

The Department of Employment and Labour has called on employers, trade unions, employees and other stakeholders to provide feedback on the Draft Reviewed Code of Good Practice on the Preparation, Implementation and Monitoring of Employment Equity (EE) Plans.

Incoming leaders of the SETAs are being challenged by Minister Buti Manamela to lead a governance and performance reset aimed at strengthening South Africa's skills development system.

South Africans now have significantly more places to apply for a Smart ID Card following the expansion of the Department of Home Affairs' Digital Partnership with Absa.

The Healing Lives Foundation has launched their new initiative to support GBVF survivors through skills development and employment. Gauteng Provincial government was on hand to support the organisation at their launch in Mamelodi. 

The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has dismissed four officials after they were found guilty of involvement in a R33 million social grants fraud scheme.

South Africa's labour market continues to show significant inequalities based on race, gender and disability, according to the latest annual report from the Commission for Employment Equity (CEE). 

Tuesday's national protests were a cause for concern, but the authorities have commended protesters for keeping the day peaceful, with only isolated incidents of violence being reported 

As South Africa marks Science Month in July, a UCT Professor has been named the 2026 L'Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science International Award Laureate for Africa and the Arab States. The award is for her work in the field of Life and Environmental Sciences. 

The new Employment Services Amendment Bill proposes foreign worker quotas for employers, and will also include tougher penalties for employers who transgress. 

The government has announced plans to strengthen enforcement against employers who hire undocumented foreign nationals, as part of broader efforts to protect workers, uphold labour laws and create more employment opportunities for South Africans.

The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has uncovered widespread maladministration in the awarding of government bursaries by the Free State Office of the Premier, including funding awarded to foreign nationals, relatives of officials and even a deceased student.

Higher Education and Training Minister Buti Manamela has secured commitments from business leaders to work alongside government in strengthening South Africa’s skills development system and improving pathways from education to employment.

The South African government has welcomed a decision by Moody’s Ratings to revise the country’s sovereign credit rating outlook from stable to positive.

Eligible South Africans are being encouraged to register to vote and update their voter registration details ahead of the 2026 Local Government Elections (LGE), which will take place on 4 November 2026.

Government has reaffirmed its commitment to tackling Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF), with the issue placed at the centre of South Africa’s 2026/27 development agenda.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has urged global leaders to take decisive and coordinated action to tackle inequality, describing it as the biggest barrier to human development and economic progress.

Higher Education and Training Minister Buti Manamela has called on the private sector, labour organisations and civil society to work with government to transform South Africa’s skills system and tackle unemployment.

The government has launched a new 4IR Lab that is aimed at boosting skills development, and preparing young people for the jobs of the future.