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Data from World Bank. Forecasts by Sigmanomics Forecast Engine.
South AfricaSouth Africa Unemployment (% of Labor Force) climbed to 32.39 Percent in December 2025
World BankYearlyReleased December 2025
South Africa Unemployment (% of Labor Force) climbed to 32.39 Percent in December 2025, up 0.11 Percent from November's 32.28 Percent reading.
Latest Release
32.391000
Actual
—
Consensus
32.279000
Previous
Sigmacast Track Record
Sigmacast track record will appear here once this indicator has been released 3+ times since Sigmanomics began tracking.
Sigmacast Σ-direction model: consensus + ½ × mean(surprise, trailing 90d).
CORRELATED SYMBOLS— markets that historically move with this indicator
| Symbol | Direction | Correlation | Asset Class | Co-movement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EUR/USD | ▲ Direct | +0.30 | FOREX | Moves with | → View |
| XAU/USD | ▲ Direct | +0.30 | COMMODITIES | Moves with | → View |
| S&P 500 | ▲ Direct | +0.30 | INDEX | Moves with | → View |
| BTC/USD | ▲ Direct | +0.30 | CRYPTO | Moves with | → View |
| USD/JPY | ▲ Direct | +0.30 | FOREX | Moves with | → View |
Correlation based on 12-month rolling window. Click any symbol to view its Sigmanomics forecast page.
THE RELEASE
Unemployment (% of Labor Force) (South Africa) was reported at 32.39 Percent in December 2025. The reading rose from the previous value of 32.28 Percent. This is classified as a high-impact indicator released on a yearly basis.
WHY IT MATTERS
The indicator has been trending upward over the last three releases. In December readings over the past 3 years, Unemployment (% of Labor Force) has averaged 32.26 Percent.
WHAT TO WATCH NEXT
Same-country events in the next 14 days include Unemployment Rate (Aug 11).
Auto-generated from current model state · Refreshes on each release · Last update December 2025.
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Unemployment (% of Labor Force) - ZA
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About Unemployment (% of Labor Force) — South Africa
DEFINITION
South Africa's Unemployment (% of Labor Force) rose to 32.391% in December 2025, up from 32.279% in December 2024, indicating a slight increase in joblessness. The labor market showed marginal deterioration over the year, with unemployment edging higher by 0.112 percentage points. Market focus remains on upcoming economic data and policy signals amid persistent labor challenges. Updated 5/1/26
WHY THIS INDICATOR MATTERS
This release contributes to the broader macro picture used by cross-asset investors for positioning and risk management. Surprises against consensus typically move rates and currencies on release. Released annually.
WHAT'S NEXT
Sigmacast's 1-month forecast points to a similar reading versus the latest print. Current dynamics are the primary headwind in the projection.
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Economic Calendar - ZA Events
| Friday, July 31, 2026 | Actual | Previous | Consensus | Sigmanomics Rolling-Surprise Forecast | Impact | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12:00 | ZA | Balance of Trade | 17.75 | 4.44 | 32 | 24.88 | Medium |
| Monday, August 3, 2026 | Actual | Previous | Consensus | Sigmanomics Rolling-Surprise Forecast | Impact | ||
| 09:00 | ZA | ABSA Manufacturing PMI | 47.3 | 49 | 51.95 | Low | |