Behind every labour market statistic are young South Africans navigating the transition into education, employment, and opportunity. Drawing on the latest Quarterly Labour Force Survey (Q1 2026), this Spatial Insights combines official statistics with spatial analysis to highlight where unemployment and youth exclusion remain most distinct, providing geographic context to support more targeted and inclusive interventions.
Youth exclusion through a spatial lens
Economic activity remains concentrated while many young South Africans remain disconnected from opportunity.
• 37.6% of youth aged 15 – 24 were classified as NEET in Q1 2026.
• Female NEET rates remained higher than male counterparts.
• High youth NEET rates remain concentrated in Northern Cape, North West, Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal.
• Spatial inequality continues to shape economic opportunity.
Figure 2: Youth NEET rates and concentrations of night-time activity across South Africa, Q1 2026
Moeti, T. & Mokhele, T. (2026). South Africa’s Labour Market at a Geosptial Glance. Spatial Insights: Edition 20. Pretoria: eResearch Knowledge Unit, Human Sciences Research Council. http://hdl.handle.net/10.14749/32846039
For more information, contact: Thabiso Moeti TMoeti@hsrc.ac.za or Tholang Mokhele TAMokhele@hsrc.ac.za
Spatial Insights Edition 20 | South Africa’s Labour Market at a Geospatial Glance - HSRC