Durban has emerged as the leading metropolitan area for job creation and retention in 2024.

The city surpassed all other major metros, as reported in the latest findings from Statistics South Africa’s (Stats SA) Quarterly Labour Force Survey for the fourth quarter of 2024.

Approximately 70 000 jobs were both created and sustained in Durban, bringing the total number of employed in the city from 1 263 000 in the fourth quarter of 2023 to an impressive 1 333 000 in 2024.

The positive trend has led to a significant decrease in the unemployment rate, which fell from 21% in the third quarter of 2024 to 17% by the end of the year.

However, the eThekwini Municipality has cautioned that while this decline indicates improved labour market conditions, a concerning trend is also emerging: the rise in the number of discouraged work-seekers. These individuals, defined as those willing and available for work but no longer actively seeking employment, highlight the challenges persisting within the job market.

Musa Mbhele, the city's manager, said the City’s strategic initiatives, together with collaborative efforts between the public and private sectors, contributed to the remarkable performance in the labour market.

“As Durban continues to position itself as a leading destination for investment and economic opportunity, the latest statistics serve as a testament to the City’s potential and capacity to thrive in a dynamic economic landscape.

"While Durban's labour market performance in 2024 reflects strong employment growth and a declining official unemployment rate, addressing the rising number of discouraged work-seekers is crucial. With sustained efforts and strategic interventions, Durban aims to further enhance its reputation as a premier business and employment hub in South Africa,” said Mbhele.

Nonceba Mhlauli, the deputy minister in the Presidency, welcomed the results, adding that it revealed a positive trend in the labour force, with a decline in the unemployment rate.

According to the results, there was an increase of 132 000 in the number of employed persons to 17.1 million while there was a decrease of 20 000 in the number of unemployed persons to 8.0 million. This resulted in an increase of 112 000 (up by 0.4%) in the labour force during the same period.

The fourth quarter results showed the total number of unemployed youths decreased by 133 000 to 4.7 million while employed youths recorded an increase of 37 000 to 5.8 million. As a result, the youth unemployment rate decreased from 45.5% in the third quarter 2024 to 44,6% in the fourth quarter of 2024.

The largest decreases were recorded in Northern Cape, followed by KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga. Increases in the unemployment rate were recorded in the North West, Free State and Gauteng, while Western Cape remained unchanged.

“Government is committed to tackling unemployment through strategic investments, policy reforms, and enhanced private sector participation.

"The reduction in the unemployment rate reflects the dedication and collaborative efforts of our government and key stakeholders. The Presidential Youth Employment Initiative (PYEI) and Operation Vulindlela have played a crucial role in stimulating economic growth and job creation. We are encouraged to see these initiatives delivering positive outcomes,” said Mhlauli.