South Africa’s jobs market: Are you a white man, 45 years old, living in the Western Cape?
Data confirms that this specific demographic profile represents the ‘gold standard for employment probability in South Africa.
If you are a white man in his prime working years living in the Western Cape, South Africa’s jobs market is currently your playground.
Data from Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) confirms that this specific demographic profile represents the gold standard for employment probability and earning potential in a landscape that remains deeply scarred by its past.
The latest Labour Market Dynamics report provides a sobering look at how gender, race and geography still dictate who wins and who loses. While national employment recently climbed to 17.1 million, the recovery is anything but equal.
Race and Gender Divide in South Africa
The most glaring disparity remains the racial earnings gap. White South Africans continue to earn more than four times the median monthly salary of Black South Africans – R25 000 compared to just R5 200. In addition, 90.6% of white workers are employed in the formal sector, which offers greater stability and benefits, compared to only 64.0% of Black Africans.
Gender also plays a decisive role. Men recorded a significantly higher absorption rate of 45.4% in 2024, while women lagged at 36.1%. Even when women are employed, they earn a median of R5 300, which is just 82% of the R6 500 median earned by men.
| Demographic Factor | Most Likely to be Employed | Most Vulnerable Group |
|---|---|---|
| Race | White (8.0% Unemployment) | Black African (36.6% Unemployment) |
| Gender | Men (45.4% Absorption) | Women (36.1% Absorption) |
| Age | Adults 35-64 (23.0% Unemployment) | Youth 15-24 (60.1% Unemployment) |
| Location | Western Cape (20.7% Unemployment) | North West (40.0% Unemployment) |
Sources: Stats SA QLFS Q3 2025 & LMDSA 2024
Geography is Destiny
Where you live is as important as your CV. The Western Cape remains the most robust region for job seekers, boasting a 54.2% absorption rate and the lowest unemployment in the country at 20.7%. In contrast, the North West and Eastern Cape continue to hold the country back, with unemployment rates of 40.0% and 39.3% respectively.
Youth Burden
Age is perhaps the most brutal filter. South Africa’s youth (15-34) continue to bear the brunt of the crisis, with an unemployment rate of 45.6% – more than double the 23.0% recorded for adults aged 35-64. For the 15-24 cohort, the situation is even more dire, with 60.1% currently without work.