Tshwane has recorded encouraging growth in its employment rate, with approximately 22 000 more people employed in the capital during Quarter 2 of 2026. The latest Quarterly Labour Force Survey (QLFS), released by Statistics South Africa, shows that the number of people employed in Tshwane increased from approximately 1,229 million in Quarter 1 of 2026 to 1,251 million in Quarter 2.
The city also recorded a 2,6 percentage point decline in its official unemployment rate, from 36,8% in Quarter 1 to 34,2% in Quarter 2 of 2026. This represents the largest improvement in the official unemployment rate among Gauteng's three metropolitan municipalities during the quarter.
Tshwane was the only metropolitan municipality in Gauteng to record employment growth during the quarter. Johannesburg recorded a loss of approximately 28 000 jobs while Ekurhuleni recorded a loss of approximately 3 000 jobs. Tshwane has the lowest official unemployment rate among Gauteng's three metros at 34,2% compared with 34,6% in Ekurhuleni and 35,9% in Johannesburg.
The Executive Mayor of Tshwane, Cllr Nasiphi Moya, welcomed the latest figures, describing them as an encouraging indication that Tshwane's labour market is moving in the right direction. She positively noted that more people were employed in the capital, the employment rate had improved and the unemployment rate had declined.
The City's focus remains on sustaining this momentum by creating an environment that attracts investment, supports businesses and contributes to job creation. Through the Tshwane Economic Revitalisation Strategy, the City is working to promote industrial expansion, improve the ease of doing business, attract strategic investment and unlock economic opportunities across the capital.
While the latest figures represent positive progress, the City acknowledges that an unemployment rate of 34,2% remains a significant challenge. Sustained collaboration between the government, businesses and other stakeholders will therefore be essential to ensure that positive momentum is maintained and that more residents gain access to sustainable employment opportunities.
The latest labour market figures provide an encouraging indication of progress in Tshwane, while reinforcing the need for continued efforts to strengthen the local economy and create meaningful employment opportunities for residents.