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South Africa's unemployment rate has increased more than expected in the second quarter of 2019. According to figures released by Statistics South Africa, second quarter jobless rates jumped to 29 per cent, its highest level in ten years. The number of unemployed persons increased to 6, 7 million compared to quarter one this year. The South African working-age population increased by 150 000 in Q2:2019 compared to Q1:2019. The results further indicate that the number of discouraged work-seekers decreased by (248 000) and the other not economically active population by 77 000 resulting in the net decrease of 326 000 in the number of those who were not economically active.

• Malerato Mosiane is the Acting Chief Director responsible for Labour statistics.
• Professor Ingrid Woolard who is the Dean of the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences at Stellenbosch University.
• Taka Pfende is an investment analyst and owner of African Dominion.