Marikana Massacre
On 16 August 2012, the South African Police Service (SAPS) opened fire on a crowd of striking mineworkers at Marikana, in the North West Province. The police killed 34 mineworkers, and left 78 seriously injured. Following the open fire assault – 250 of the miners were arrested.
This event culminated after an intense week-long protest in which the miners were demanding a wage increase at the Lonmin platinum mine in a wildcat strike. A wildcat strike, or ‘unofficial industrial action’, is strike action undertaken by unionised workers without the union-leadership’s authorisation, support, or approval. On 9 August about three thousand miners went on strike to demand a living wage. On 10 August, a large group of the striking miners approached the National Union for Miners (NUM) local office in order to demand support from their union, and were instead met with the firing of live ammunition, fatally wounding two miners.
This fatal breakdown in communication between the miners and their union further aggravated a volatile situation, in which the miners and their families were desperately trying to have their voices heard and their needs met. The miners were unable to attain a meeting with NUM or Lonmin representatives and events became increasingly militaristic following the death of the two protesting miners.
Between 12- 14 August at least four miners, two police officers and two security guards died in the ensuing violence. On 13 August, 30 miners were delegated to cross the veld (field) that separated them from another Lonmin platinum mine, Karee, where miners were also undergoing a wildcat strike. The 30 miners were forced by security to turn back without being allowed to meet with miners on the other side. On their way back they were met with a contingent of police. Eye-witness reports say there were about 10 nyalas (military police vans) and two police trucks. The police barred their way and told them to lay down their weapons (machetes also known as pangas), to which the workers refused, saying they needed the pangas for everyday living in the ‘bush’.
The police allowed the miners to continue, but once they were about 10 metres away, the police allegedly began to open gun fire (rubber bullets and later live ammunition) on them, and the miners retaliated. Two policemen and two miners were killed in this battle, and one miner injured severely.
The strike continued despite gaining no support from NUM and receiving no official commitment from Lonmin management to enter into negotiations. The strike was for a wage increase and to address the poor living and work conditions of miners and their families in Marikana. These issues were not formally addressed by the NUM or by Lonmin during the protest. Many of the strikers instead began losing their jobs and the protesters were met with unrelenting hostility by security, the police, and union personnel and management.
Despite having no legal protection or union support, thousands of miners continued to strike in solidarity for their common goal – a better quality life and the dignity it affords. The families of the striking miners were also in general solidarity with the protest and worked to support the movement, joining in protest action and bringing supplies when necessary.
Striking mine workers gather on hill on 16 August 2012, before massacre occurs.
On 14 August Lonmin officially halted production at the Marikana platinum mine.
The miners set up camp on a hill called Wonderkop near the Lonmin mine. Police and miners occasionally entered into discussions however the miners remained steadfast in their strike action, and on 16 August a full frontal attack was launched on them.
More than 400 police were deployed, most in camouflage military gear and armed with R5s, a licensed replica of the Israeli Galil SAR, or LM5 assault rifles, designed for infantry and tactical police use. A barb wire fence was set along the outside perimeter to close the miners in, and military police vehicles and helicopters were deployed on the scene. The police were deployed in a manner that caused concern among the strikers. Despite statements that the police were acting in self defence, it is considered by many that they were not in any real danger. About a dozen miners were caught on camera being shot at directly, and this footage has received global attention and outrage. However most of the miners who were killed and injured were not caught on camera, with some of the miner’s bodies reportedly discovered behind boulders and in retreat. Many of the slain and injured had gunshots in their backs and there were miners who were found with injuries of being ridden over by nyalas.
Not a single policeman was killed or severely on 16 August 2012.
Addressing a press conference, SAPS authorities claimed its officers opened fire on the miners in self-defence, after the miners attempted to attack them using machetes, spears and clubs. The official number of people killed was confirmed by National Police Commissioner General Riah Phiyega, weeks after the incident.
Among the miners killed, was Mgacineni “Mambush” Noki, Bongani Nqongophele, Janaveke Raphael, Van Wyk Sagalala, security guard Matlhomola Mabelane, Andries Ntshenyeho, Xolani Nduzuzu, Telang Mohai, Thabile Mpumza, Stelega Gadlela, Thabiso Thelejane, Thabiso Mosebetsane, Jackson Lehupa and many others.
The Marikana Commission of Inquiry was set up to investigate the massacre of miners at Marikana. The commission’s first seating was on 1 October 2012, its final sitting was on 14 November 2014, and its report was submitted by President Zuma on 31 March 2015.
The report absolved the key political figures who were accused of having a hand in the events leading to the massacre, including Deputy State President Cyril Ramaphosa who at the time of the massacre was a non-executive director at Lomnin, former Police Minister Nathi Mthethwa, former Mineral Resource Minister Susan Shabangu and the National Police Commissioner Ria Phiyega. It also found that Lonmin had failed to engage with workers and the trade unions operating in that sector, NUM and AMCU, were found not to have had full control of its members who embarked on the unprotected strike.
South Africa is world’s third biggest producer of platinum, one of the highest trading resources on the market. Lonmin had 28 000 miners in its employ and has since retrenched thousands of its workers. Families of the miners slain and injured are still seeking reparations.
Police advance after shooting striking workers with live ammunition on 16 August 2012
Call for swift investigation into pregnant woman’s murder
KwaZulu-Natal Social Development MEC, Nonhlanhla Khoza, has called on law enforcement agencies to conduct a thorough and swift investigation after the brutal murder of a pregnant woman in Ehlanzeni in Ubuhlebezwe Local Municipality.
Busisiwe Ngubo’s body was found just a kilometre away from her home on Monday morning.
It is alleged that the 35-year-old victim, who was pregnant with twins, was strangled and her lifeless body discarded on the roadside.
According to reports, Ngubo left her home after receiving a call from her police officer boyfriend. She had shared information with relatives and they were aware of her intentions to travel to hospital, as she was about to deliver.
“We demand nothing less than a rigorous pursuit of justice in this case. The individual responsible for this heinous act must be apprehended promptly and the full force of the law should be brought to bear on them,” Khoza said.
In this moment of tragedy, Khoza emphasised the importance of eradicating violence against women, especially within intimate relationships.
“Our society cannot and will not tolerate such atrocities any longer. We stand united against these acts of violence and collectively strive for an environment where everyone, irrespective of gender, can live without fear,” Khoza said.
The MEC said the loss of Ngubo is a stark reminder of the pressing need to address gender-based violence (GBV), and to foster a culture of respect, equality and safety.
She urged society to come together to demand an end to such brutality.
“Let us honour the memory of Busisiwe Ngubo by working towards a society free from such horrors.”
Khoza has sent her heartfelt condolences to the Ngubo family and the community of Ehlanzeni for their loss.
“Our thoughts are with the grieving family and friends during this trying period,” she said.
The MEC has since mobilised a team of social workers to provide psycho-social support to Ngubo’s family and help them navigate through this traumatic experience, and find some semblance of healing.
Condolences to Umhlathuzana accident victims’ families
Meanwhile, Khoza has extended her heartfelt condolences to the family members of the children who were killed in an accident while walking to school in Umhlathuzana, south of Durban.
According to the reports, the tragic incident occurred last week Friday when four boys were on their way to Umhlathuzana Primary School.
The tow truck lost control, resulting in a collision, claiming the lives of two boys and the driver. Another young life was also lost in the hospital, while one boy sustained moderate injuries and is currently receiving medical care.
“In this moment of profound sorrow, our hearts extend to the bereaved family and the entire Umhlathuzana community, as well as the affected school. We offer our sincerest condolences and stand united with the entire Umhlathuzana community as they navigate through this period of mourning.
“Our collective thoughts and prayers accompany the families, grappling with an unimaginable loss. It is paramount that decisive measures are undertaken to avert such heart-wrenching incidents and to ensure the safety of our children during their journeys to and from school,” Khoza said.
A dedicated team of social workers has been dispatched to provide essential psycho-social support to both the affected families and learners.
Mammila used 2018 TKO final to fuel Mosele to haunt Pirates
Mammila and Mosele were together when Baroka stunned Pirates to lift the Telkom Knockout in 2018, where the former was the club’s CEO. Mosele played a telling role in Bakgaga’s TKO success, bossing the midfield in the game that had ended 2-all in extra time, before the Limpopo side won the tie on penalties.
“To be honest, I showed them [his players], especially Mosele, the Baroka vs Pirates when we beat Pirates through penalties in the Telkom Cup,” Mammila said.
“I showed him how cool he was. Then I took him to Pirates, I said ‘you’ve done well at Pirates, you even got a national team call-up…it doesn’t mean that because you ended up not getting more game time you’re not good enough’.
“I said ‘don’t show Pirates but show the country that you are a better player’ and he agreed. He said ‘Morgan thanks for being there for me, you are my father. I am going to thank you, I am going to reward you with a good game’ and that’s what he gave.”
Mosele was voted man of the match against the Buccaneers, his second man of the match gong this season after bagging his first in their league opener against Kaizer Chiefs that ended goalless at Moses Mabhida Stadium almost two weeks ago. In their next game, Chippa host perennial league kings Mamelodi Sundowns at the same venue in Gqeberha on Saturday (8pm).
We’ll maintain petrol price without subsidy reversal — Tinubu
President Bola Tinubu said yesterday that the federal government would take measures to maintain the current pump price of Premium Motor Spirit, PMS, otherwise known as petrol, in the country without a reversal of its policy on subsidy removal.
He also said the threat by the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, to shut down the economy over rumoured plan to further increase fuel price was premature, stressing that it was incumbent on all stakeholders to maintain their peace.
The President assured that there would be no further increase in the price of petrol in any part of the country.
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company, NNPC Limited, said late last night it had no plan to raise the pump price per litre of petrol.
This came as the Kenyan government, which also removed fuel subsidy at a time Nigeria did same, reintroduced fuel subsidy to curb soaring prices of petrol, kerosene and diesel in the country, though for 30 days.
Special Adviser to the president on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, disclosed these while briefing State House correspondents at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, shortly after meeting with President Bola Tinubu on the issue, especially following threats by Nigeria labour Congress, NLC, to go on strike without notice, if fuel price was again increased.
According to him, the official position is that there is no increase in prices at this time as “the president is convinced, based on information before him, that we can maintain current pricing without reversing our deregulation policy by swiftly cleaning up existing inefficiencies within the midstream and downstream petroleum sector to stabilise price.”
He said it was incumbent on all stakeholders to hold their peace and endeavour to do due dillegence to ascertain the true position of things.
The presidential spokesman presented a chart to prove that the cost of petrol was still much more cheaper in Nigeria than in other West African countries.
He stated: “This morning (yesterday), I had the privilege of sitting down with His Excellency, President Bola Tinubu, as we discussed the current unfolding situation in the country as it relates to fuel supply and demand.
“The president wishes first to state that it is incumbent upon all stakeholders in the country to hold their peace.
“We have heard very recently from the organized labour movement in the country concerning their most recent threat.
“We believe that the threat was premature and that there is need on all sides to ensure that fact-finding and diligence is done on what the current state of the downstream and midstream petroleum industry is before any threats or conclusions are arrived at or issued.
“Secondly, Mr. President wishes to assure Nigerians, following the announcement by the NNPC limited just yesterday that there will be no increase in the pump price of petroleum motor spirit anywhere in the country.
“We repeat, the president affirms that there will be no increase in the pump price of premium motor spirit. We also wish to affirm that the president is determined to maintain competitive tension within all sub-sectors of the petroleum industry.
“He is determined to ensure that our policy drawn up as well as policy implemented follows the cue that there will be no single entity dominating the market.
“The market has been deregulated; it has been liberalized and we are moving forward in that direction without looking back.
“The president also wishes to affirm that there are currently inefficiencies within the midstream and downstream petroleum sub-sectors that once very swiftly addressed and cleaned up, will ensure that we can maintain prices where they are without having to resort to a reversal of this administration’s deregulation policy in the petroleum industry.
“I wish at this juncture to also provide a set of graphics which the president has authorized me to share with Nigerians that otherwise would be confidential. These are graphics supplied to Mr. president by NNPCL.
“In the graphic, what you will find is the present cost of refined premium motor spirit at the pump in each of the West African nations that are our neighbours and I’ll just name some for example, even as I know, you will be showing your audiences the graphics, which the president has graciously approved for public release today.
“In Senegal, the pump price today is N1,273 equivalent per litre; Guinea N1,075 per litre; Côte d’ Ivore N1,048 per litre equivalent; Mali N1,113 per litre; Central African Republic N1,414 per litre, while Nigeria is currently averaging between N568 and N630 per litre.
“We are currently the cheapest, most affordable purchasing state in the West African sub-region by some distance. There is no country that is below N700 per litre.
“So, this is the backdrop we have seen, that at the inception of our deregulation policy as of June 1 as Mr. President took office, we have seen PMS consumption in the country drop immediately from 67 million litres per day, down to 46 million litres. The impact is evident.
“What it also mean though, is that we are not at the end of the tunnel. There is still a bit of darkness to travel through to get towards light. And we are pleading with Nigerians to please be patient with us.
“As we promised from the beginning, we will be open with Nigerians, we will be transparent with them. And we are ready to show you exactly what it is that our nation is facing with respect to the illiquidity in the market in terms of foreign exchange, as a result of what is now known to have been a gross mismanagement of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, over the course of several years preceding this time.”
No plan for fresh petrol price hike, says NNPC as queues resurface
Also late Monday night, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company, NNPC Limited said it had no plan to raise the pump price per litre of Premium Motor Spirit, PMS, also known as petrol.
NNPC Limited spokesman, Muhammad Garbadeen, said in the statement that the company had no intention to increase petrol price for the third consecutive time since the removal of petrol subsidy on May 29, 2023.
“Dear esteemed customers, we at NNPC Retail value your patronage, and we do not have the intention to increase our PMS pump prices as widely speculated.
“Please buy the best quality products at the most affordable prices at our NNPC Retail Stations nationwide,” Garbadeen said.
Kenya reinstates fuel subsidy for 30 days to curb soaring prices
Meanwhile, the Kenyan government has reintroduced fuel subsidy to curb soaring prices of petrol, kerosene and diesel in the country.
The development came after months of violent anti-government protests over the burden of high living costs, with inflation also now reducing from 7.9 per cent in June to 7.3 per cent last month.
Tributes to Essex-born Game of Thrones actor Darren Kent
Friends, family and figures from the entertainment world have paid tribute to an Essex-born actor who has died aged 36.
Darren Kent appeared in shows such as Game of Thrones, EastEnders and the BBC adaptation of Les Misérables.
Mr Kent, who lived in Southend-on-Sea, was also a patron for Equal People Performing Arts, a charity promoting inclusion in the performing arts.
Fellow patron Lee Mead said the actor, who died on Friday, was “so special”.
Posting on X, formerly known as Twitter, Mr Mead described Mr Kent as a “fine actor”.
He said Mr Kent was “always giving of his time to people and always so positive”.
Mr Kent, an Italia Conti Stage School graduate, also worked as a director and screenwriter.
In 2021, his short film, You Know Me, won Best Director and Best Short Film at the January London International Monthly Film Festival.
A statement from his agent, Carey Dodd Associates, said Mr Kent died on Friday surrounded by his family and closest friends.
It added: “His indomitable spirit and love of life inspired all he met.
“He will be remembered not only for his talent, but as a warm and generous friend.”
Call to support women
Former Deputy President, Dr Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, is convinced that there’s a special place in hell for women who do not support other women.
“I can tell you without fear of contradiction, there is a special place in hell for women who don’t support women!”
The bold assertion was recently received with chuckles, hand claps and no doubt a silent “Amen” from the participants attending a National School of Government (NSG) masterclass event.
The NSG is mandated with the responsibility of ensuring that public servants comply with the provisions of established legislation, regulations and systems, and can exercise proper discretion and innovation in solving routine and complex delivery problems.
At a time when the country is commemorating Women’s Month, Mlambo-Ngcuka said sisterhood is an important ingredient in the empowerment of women.
She said that often women are the ones who leave other women behind in society.
“So we depend on you to make sure that you pay particular attention to women in society…. Your empowerment is an empowerment of the rest of the women. Sisterhood has to be one of your biggest and most important priorities,” she declared.
Mlambo-Ngcuka called on women in the public service to support “other women that you see in the streets and everywhere in the country that need support from you.”
She also stressed the importance of paying attention to the country’s younger women.
“It has to kill us when we hear that children in Grade 4 who are 10 years old cannot read… finding a plan to rescue that rests on you. This is where you show that you care about other women if we hear that girls in schools are getting pregnant … how do I use my advantage of being in the leadership of the public service to intervene in order to make sure that we address this?”
The former Deputy President was referring to the Progress in International Reading Literacy Study, which has shown that many Grade 4 pupils cannot read for meaning, something which government has committed to resolve.
Cabinet has called on South Africans to use Women’s Month which is commemorated annually in August, not only to honour women who fought for the country’s freedom, but also to play their part in building a society that supports women empowerment and guarantees the safety of women and children.
This year, Women’s Month is being commemorated under the theme: “Accelerating socio-economic opportunities for empowerment of women” to pay tribute to the more than 20 000 women who marched to the Union Buildings in 1956 to protest against the oppressive pass laws of the apartheid government.
The former chair of Parliament’s Public Service Committee reflected on working with the then Public Service and Administration Minister, Zola Skweyiya. The committee worked with the Minister in reconfiguring the new public service after following the dawn of democracy in 1994.
Gender representation
Government at the time came up with the Batho Pele policy of which September 2022 marked 25 years since South Africa adopted the Batho Pele (putting people first) Principles and the White Paper on Transforming Public Service Delivery.
Batho Pele is an inclusive concept that refers to all government policies, strategies and programmes aimed at transforming public service delivery.
She recalled how Skweyiya was “very emphatic” that the policy must reflect “equity in the system so that the citizen that is least served … who always falls between the cracks must feel thatgovernment sees them.
“And obviously women were high on that agenda. We wanted Batho Pele to address the issue of gender representation in the civil service but also the civil servant sensitivity about the gender discrimination of women in the society they are employed to serve,” she explained.
While women have gone on to attain much over the years, Mlambo-Ngcuka said the achievements of women must be celebrated and to “never forget the work that still awaits us.”
“Our work is not yet done – there is still much more that we still need to do,” said the former Executive Director of United Nations Women.
Mlambo-Ngcuka referred to the strides made by the SPAR Proteas netball women’s team and Banyana Banyana who made the country proud at their respective World Cup tournaments recently.
Mentorship
Having served the public service in various roles including that of Minister of Minerals and Energy, she stressed the sector’s importance saying it is the “backbone of government”. She highlighted that while women were continuing to break barriers, they should also mentor others.
“Because there is no point if we are breaking the glass ceiling for yourselves when you’re not doing anything for the rest of society. We have to do these things simultaneously.”
“… So lifting as you climb has to be your mantra and the nice thing about mentorship is that it’s not hard, it has to come from here,” she said as she pointed towards her heart.
In his Women’s Day address, President Cyril Ramaphosa encouraged all sectors of society to advance and improve the lives of the women and girls of South Africa.
“We must mobilise all of society to support the women of our country on their road to empowerment and the improvement of their lives. As government, we are irrevocably committed to continuing the process of advancing and improving the lives of the women and girls of South Africa,” he said.
While it is said that a woman’s work is never done, we all can lend a hand in ensuring that hell freezes over to advance the interests of all women.
R400m tender fraud trial to begin in May next year
Four people are expected to have their day in court in May next year in a case related to tender fraud amounting to some R400 million.
The tender was awarded to airline SA Express by the North West Provincial Government (NWPG) in 2014 and was subject to scrutiny at the State Capture Commission, which subsequently recommended a criminal probe into the matter.
In the dock in May 2024 will be former head of the provincial Department of Transport, Thabang Mohlokoleng; Tebogo Van Wyk, Nothando Dube and Sipho Phiri, together with companies, Batsamai Investment Holdings, Sevilex Investment Holdings and Lavao Estevao (PTY) Ltd.
The four face 34 charges including fraud, corruption, money laundering and contravention of the Public Finance Management Act, with charges of racketeering also expected to be added to the docket.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson Henry Mamothame, the charges stem from the provincial government’s 2014 bid to reintroduce commercial airlines to airports in Mmabatho and Pilanesberg on a subsidy of some R400 million.
“An amount of R183 million was then paid to SA Express between 2015 and 2017, for the services rendered by the ground management companies, which Van Wyk, Dube and Phiri are linked to. The State alleges that of the amount… R51 million was channelled irregularly through the charged companies,” he said.
Mathomane said the tender awarded to the airline was done without “following the proper supply chain management processes”.
“The irregularly secured agreement is said to have been signed by the fourth accused. Mohlokoleng signed on behalf of the Department of Transport as the then Accounting Officer, in his capacity as the head of the department. The deal was allegedly riddled with procurement irregularities and monies were paid for services not rendered.
“The irregularities prejudiced the North West government of millions of Rands that could have been directed to service delivery,” Mamothame said.
Pre-trial conferencing is expected to commence in January 2024.
Three suspects arrested for illegal mining in Limpopo
Police in Driekop, in the Sekhukhune District — in collaboration with Mecklenburg, Burgersfort, Tubatse SAPS, as well as Public Order Policing (POPS) in Limpopo — have apprehended three suspects, aged between 21 and 35, for alleged illegal mining.
The trio were nabbed on Tuesday morning at about 09:30am.
Police followed up on information about the suspects, who were conducting illegal mining activities on top of the mountain at Ga-Maroga village, under the Driekop policing precinct. They immediately rushed to the scene.
On their arrival, the police found a large number of people mining chrome. They then started to run in different directions, trying to evade being arrested.
Three males, consisting of two South Africans and one illegal immigrant, whose nationality will still going to be confirmed, were cornered and nabbed at the scene.
During the operation, the team managed to seize mining equipment. These include 12 wheelbarrows, 11 generators, six jack hammers, two grease pumps, a bundle of cables and a Bell TLB machine, with an estimated value of over R200 000.
The trio are expected to appear before the Mecklenburg Magistrate’s Court soon on charges of illegal mining and contravention of the Immigration Act.
The Provincial Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, has vowed that the fight against illegal mining in the province will be strengthened to bring the perpetrators to book.
Police investigations are continuing.
Illegal guns removed from Gauteng streets
Efforts against the proliferation of illegal and unlicensed firearms, are paying off with Gauteng police having recovered over 400 firearms and other ammunition in the past two weeks.
The recoveries said the South African Police Service (SAPS), are as a result of daily crime prevention actions conducted by police members and intelligence driven operations including the weekly Operation Shanela.
On Wednesday last week, members of the Ekurhuleni District Crime Intelligence, Ekurhuleni District Trio Task Team, Bad Boys Security and Blue Hawk Tactical, operationalised information regarding illegal miners who were allegedly in possession of an unlicensed firearm in the Primrose area.
The information led the team to four suspects who were found in possession of a rifle with ammunition and 13 bags of gold bearing soil.
All four suspects were arrested and charged with the possession of unlicensed firearms and possession of gold bearing material, including bribery as one of them tried to bribe the police for his freedom.
In another incident, still in the Ekurhuleni district, members of Putfontein recovered a firearm with a filed off serial number after they followed up on information. Two suspects were arrested and charged with the possession of an unlicensed firearm.
In the Johannesburg District, a team consisting of the Soweto Crime Intelligence and Soweto Flying Squad operationalised information about individuals planning a business robbery in the Diepkloof area.
The identified vehicle to be used by the suspects was spotted and stopped. Three occupants were inside and when searched, police discovered a revolver with a filed off serial number and ammunition.
The suspects were all arrested for the possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition and the police also seized the vehicle which is suspected to have been used in the commission of crime.
The SAPS said most of the firearms are recovered during routine patrols, vehicle check points and during crime prevention operations conducted throughout the province.
Gauteng Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Elias Mawela applauded the law enforcement members and private security companies through the Eyes and Ears E(2) project for their prompt response to tip-offs and intelligence information given to them by community members.
“Recoveries of these firearms and ammunition is ascribed to partnership policing and these proves that together we can fight against crime and make our province a safe place to be,” said Mawela.
South Africa records employment gains in Quarter 2
At least 150 000 more people were employed in South Africa during the second quarter of the year as compared to the first – resulting in a minor decrease in the unemployment rate by some 0.3%.
This is according to the Quarterly Labour Force Survey (QLFS) released by Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) today.
Furthermore, the number of unemployed people fell by at least 11 000.
“Additionally…the discouraged work seekers decreased by 94 000 in the second quarter of 2023 compared to the first quarter of 2023 resulting in a net decrease of 1 000 in the not economically active population.
“The above changes in employment and unemployment resulted in the official unemployment rate decreasing by 0.3 of a percentage point from 32.9% in the first quarter of 2023 to 32.6% in the second quarter of 2023.
“The unemployment rate according to the expanded definition decreased by 0.3 of a percentage point to 42.1% in Q2:2023 compared to Q1:2023,” the institution said.
Employment in the formal sector increased by some 143 000 during the same period with informal sector employment decreasing by 33 000.
“Construction [104 000], trade [92 000], and community and social services [63 000] recorded the largest employment gains. While employment losses were recorded in manufacturing [96 000], finance [68 000], transport [7 000] and utilities [6 000],” Stats SA said.
Despite an increase in the number of youth employed during that period, the institution said youth remain “vulnerable” to unemployment.
“The youth remain vulnerable in the labour market, with the second quarter of 2023 results showing that the total number of unemployed youth [between 15 and 34 years old] decreased by 131 000 to 4.7 million while there was an increase of 105 000 in the number of employed youth to 5.7 million during the same period.
“This resulted in a decrease in youth unemployment rate by 1.1 percentage points to 45.3% in Q2:2023,” Stats SA said.
The institution highlighted the sectors where the most gains were made in the provinces.
“Limpopo [up by 80 000], Western Cape [up by 54 000] and KwaZulu-Natal [up by 48 000] recorded the largest employment increases in Q2:2023.
“Employment losses were recorded in Free State [down by 59 000] and Northern Cape [down by 17 000] during the same period,” Stats SA said.