For months, some groups claimed that removing undocumented foreign nationals from workplaces would create jobs for South Africans.
However, the latest figures from Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) tell a different story.
South Africa’s unemployment rate rose to 33.6% in the second quarter of 2026. It was 32.7% in the first quarter.
Stats SA says 345,000 more people lost their jobs during the quarter. As a result, millions of South Africans remain unemployed.
Debate grows over jobs
Many South Africans expected anti-foreigner operations to create more local jobs. Instead, unemployment continued to rise.
The figures do not prove that foreign nationals caused the increase. However, they show that the jobs crisis remains severe.
South Africa still has one of the highest unemployment rates in the world.
A deeper economic problem
Economists blame weak economic growth, low investment and business closures. They say these problems continue to destroy jobs across many sectors.
Therefore, many experts believe the country needs stronger economic growth and more investment.
The latest data raises a tough question. If anti-foreigner crackdowns were meant to create jobs for South Africans, why are more South Africans unemployed today?
Source: Statistics South Africa (Stats SA)
