REALITY BITES

PERSONAL FINANCE

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UNEMPLOYMENT: People gather in their hordes at Athlone Stadium hoping to secure a nuwe inkomste

TWO weeks ago we were all very “opgemaak” when the matric results were released.

Social media was filled with proud parents posting their children’s achievements, and rightfully so.

With all the challenges our children face on the Cape Flats, surviving and passing matric is something to make a fuss about.

Now, the dust has settled, universities are oorvol and so many who thought they would be furthering their education this year have been left bitterly disappointed.

Sadly, they too have joined the ranks of the millions of unemployed South Africans.

As of the third quarter of 2025, South Africa’s official unemployment rate remains one of the highest in the world.

■Official unemployment rate: 31.9 percent

■Expanded unemployment rate (includes discouraged work seekers): 42.9 percent.

■Total unemployed persons: 8.4 million

■Youth unemployment (15-24): 62.1 percent to 62.2 percent.