South Africa’s employment figures have dropped in the first quarter of 2024. Total employment decreased by 67,000 jobs, or 0.6%, from December 2023 to March 2024.
Quarterly Employment Breakdown
Trade Sector Suffers
The trade industry experienced the largest job losses, with a decrease of 57,000 jobs, representing a 2.4% decline.
Community Services and Business Services Hit
Community services lost 18,000 jobs, a 0.6% decrease. Business services saw a smaller decline of 4,000 jobs, or 0.2%.
Mining Sector Also Down
The mining sector reported a reduction of 3,000 jobs, a 0.6% decrease. The electricity industry showed no change.
Industries with Employment Increases
Manufacturing Gains
Manufacturing employment increased by 12,000 jobs, a 0.9% rise. This was the most significant gain among industries.
Transport and Construction Rise Slightly
The transport sector added 2,000 jobs, a 0.4% increase. Construction employment grew by 1,000 jobs, or 0.2%.
Year-on-Year Employment Decline
Annual Employment Changes
Total employment decreased by 74,000 jobs, or 0.7%, from March 2023 to March 2024.
Full-Time Employment Trends
Quarterly Decrease
Full-time employment decreased by 29,000 jobs, or 0.3%, from December 2023 to March 2024.
Sectoral Breakdown
- Trade: Decreased by 35,000 jobs, a 1.7% decline.
- Community Services: Decreased by 13,000 jobs, or 0.5%.
- Mining: Decreased by 3,000 jobs, or 0.6%.
Stable Industries
The electricity and transport sectors showed no changes in full-time employment.
Increased Full-Time Employment
- Manufacturing: Increased by 18,000 jobs, a 1.5% rise.
- Business Services: Increased by 3,000 jobs, or 0.1%.
- Construction: Increased by 1,000 jobs, or 0.2%.
Annual Full-Time Employment Decline
Full-time employment decreased by 16,000 jobs, or 0.2%, from March 2023 to March 2024.
Part-Time Employment Trends
Quarterly Decrease
Part-time employment dropped by 38,000 jobs, or 3.1%, from December 2023 to March 2024.
Sectoral Breakdown
- Trade: Decreased by 22,000 jobs, an 8.3% decline.
- Business Services: Decreased by 7,000 jobs, or 3%.
- Manufacturing: Decreased by 6,000 jobs, or 6.7%.
- Community Services: Decreased by 5,000 jobs, or 0.9%.
Stable Industries
The electricity and construction industries showed no changes in part-time employment.
Increased Part-Time Employment
The transport industry saw an increase of 2,000 jobs, an 11.1% rise.
Annual Part-Time Employment Decline
Part-time employment decreased by 58,000 jobs, or 4.7%, from March 2023 to March 2024.
Gross Earnings Trends
Quarterly Gross Earnings Drop
Gross earnings decreased by R35.1 billion, or 3.5%, from R993 billion in December 2023 to R957.9 billion in March 2024.
Sectoral Breakdown
Gross earnings fell in trade, community services, manufacturing, construction, transport, electricity, and mining. However, business services reported an increase of R9.3 billion.
Annual Gross Earnings Increase
Gross earnings increased by R43.5 billion, or 4.8%, from March 2023 to March 2024.
Basic Salary and Wages Trends
Quarterly Decrease
Basic salaries/wages decreased by R6.7 billion, or 0.8%, from R855.6 billion in December 2023 to R848.9 billion in March 2024.
Sectoral Breakdown
Decreases were reported in trade, manufacturing, construction, mining, and business services. Increases were noted in transport, electricity, and community services.
Annual Basic Salary/Wages Increase
Basic salaries/wages increased by R40.1 billion, or 5%, from March 2023 to March 2024.
Bonus Payments Trends
Quarterly Decrease
Bonuses decreased by R27.6 billion, or 25%, from R109 billion in December 2023 to R81.4 billion in March 2024.
Sectoral Breakdown
Decreases were observed in community services, trade, manufacturing, construction, transport, and electricity. Business services reported an increase of R9.9 billion.
Annual Bonus Payments Increase
Bonus payments increased by R0.4 billion, or 0.5%, from March 2023 to March 2024.
Overtime Payments Trends
Quarterly Decrease
Overtime payments decreased by R0.8 billion, or 2.7%, from R28.4 billion in December 2023 to R27.6 billion in March 2024.
Sectoral Breakdown
Decreases were noted in business services, manufacturing, construction, and transport. Increases were reported in electricity, trade, and community services.
Annual Overtime Payments Increase
Overtime payments increased by R3 billion, or 12%, from March 2023 to March 2024.
Average Monthly Earnings
Quarterly Decrease
Average monthly earnings decreased by 0.1%, from R26,817 in November 2023 to R26,793 in February 2024.
Annual Increase
Average monthly earnings increased by 4.7% from February 2023 to February 2024.
Summary Table
| Category | Q4 2023 | Q1 2024 | Change (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Employment | 10,731,000 | 10,664,000 | -0.6% |
| Full-Time Employment | 9,513,000 | 9,484,000 | -0.3% |
| Part-Time Employment | 1,218,000 | 1,180,000 | -3.1% |
| Gross Earnings (R billion) | 993 | 957.9 | -3.5% |
| Basic Salary/Wages (R billion) | 855.6 | 848.9 | -0.8% |
| Bonuses (R billion) | 109 | 81.4 | -25% |
| Overtime Payments (R billion) | 28.4 | 27.6 | -2.7% |
| Avg. Monthly Earnings (R) | 26,817 | 26,793 | -0.1% |
South Africa’s employment landscape reflects mixed industry performance and a challenging economic environment. The quarterly and annual figures indicate areas needing focus and potential growth sectors.
