The trade union SAFTU is proposing that the country hold an emergency presidential economic summit to address the high unemployment rate.
SAFTU spokesperson Newton Masuku says the summit should include workers’ unions, economists, amongst others. Masuku believes this will bring different stakeholders in the sector together to address the crisis.
The unemployment rate has increased from 32.9% in the first quarter to 33.2% in the second quarter of 2025.
Masuku says the situation will worsen with the new US 30% tariff increase. “We call for an Emergency Presidential Economic summit, which will bring trade unions, progressive economists, and affected sectors to develop a united sovereignty response. Secondly, we have called for the diversification of trade, centering in particular the African continental free trade area, the BRICS partners, and also the global south economies, to reduce reliance on hostels. When the 30% Trump Tariffs take effect, the situation will worsen.”
#ZAunemployment || The official unemployment rate increased by 0,3 of a percentage point to 33,2% in Q2:2025 compared to Q1:2025.
Read more here: https://t.co/pjJBf5sHnz#StatsSA #GovZAUpdates #WomensMonth #WomensMonth2025 #P20 #G20 #7thParliament pic.twitter.com/CMWR65lKbl
— Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) (@StatsSA) August 13, 2025
