Thirty years after democracy, South Africa’s labour market remains deeply strained. Despite major policy reform and rising educational attainment, unemployment remains among the highest in the world, with youth unemployment reaching 62.4% in early 2025. Racial and gender gaps in employment and earnings continue to shape economic inequality in South Africa. In this episode, ERSA’s host speaks with Professor Vimal Ranchhod, Professor of Economics at the University of Cape Town, about research examining South Africa’s labour market from 1994 to today. Using national survey data, the research traces long-run employment and earnings trends across race, gender, education, and sectors of the economy. Why have income gaps persisted despite improved education? Why is South Africa’s informal sector smaller than comparable economies? And what are the real constraints to job creation? The discussion reflects on the structural forces shaping labour market policy, unemployment, and inclusive growth. For policymakers curious about what to prioritise going forward, it is not to be missed.
