Limpopo has recorded a substantial drop in its unemployment rate, falling to 29.8% in the third quarter of 2025, a significant improvement from 35% in the previous quarter.

Polokwane Review reports that this represents a 5.2% decline, making Limpopo the best-performing province in the country, according to Statistics South Africa’s Quarterly Labour Force Survey, released on Wednesday.

Limpopo leads national recovery in job creation

The latest report shows that Limpopo’s job growth contributed to a 1.2% decline in South Africa’s national unemployment rate, which now stands at 31.9%.

Statistics South Africa noted that employment increases were mainly observed in the construction, services and trade industries, sectors that have also seen growth in Limpopo’s local economy.

“The official unemployment rate decreased in seven provinces between Q2:2025 and Q3:2025. The largest decrease was recorded in Limpopo Province,” the report stated.

Premier Ramathuba: ‘This is progress worth building on’

The Limpopo Premier, Dr Phophi Ramathuba, welcomed the results, saying they affirm the province’s strong economic trajectory and resilience in the face of national challenges.

“We welcome the results of the Q3 Labour Force Survey, which affirm our earlier assessments regarding Limpopo’s economic growth trajectory. Our province’s contribution of 0.9% to the national GDP highlights the strides we are making as we work collectively to provide opportunities for our residents,” said Ramathuba.

She added that while the current unemployment rate is still high, the progress made is an encouraging step toward the Limpopo Development Plan’s goal of reducing unemployment to below 20%.

“The 29.8% is not the ideal to celebrate, but a step towards making sure unemployment in our province is way below 20%. It is for this reason we are pushing for more industrialisation, especially in manufacturing,” she said.

Investments and infrastructure driving growth

Ramathuba highlighted that the R170b investment pledges secured at the Limpopo Investment Conference are a vote of confidence in the province’s economy.

“It is our responsibility as an administration to ensure that at least 50% of these investment pledges are realised without delay. Our commitment to inclusive growth is unwavering, and we will leverage these opportunities for the benefit of our people,” the Premier said.

She also pointed to ongoing infrastructure projects, including major road construction initiatives in partnership with the South African National Roads Agency and mining houses, which are expected to create more jobs during and after the construction phase.

In addition, Ramathuba pledged to streamline bureaucratic processes that have long slowed down investment in the province, vowing a more hands-on approach to unlocking development opportunities.

Ramathuba reaffirms commitment to economic transformation

In closing, Ramathuba reaffirmed that the 7th Administration remains committed to driving job creation, poverty reduction and economic inclusion. “The positive shift in unemployment statistics reinforces our determination to create jobs, fight poverty, and curb the high cost of living for all residents of Limpopo,” she said.

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