BREAKING: 120,000 Jobs Lost Since March and March Protests Grow
BREAKING: 120,000 Jobs Lost Since March and March Protests Grow is a claim gaining traction as South Africa grapples with worsening unemployment, economic pressure and growing public protests over illegal immigration, crime and service delivery.
The latest figures released by Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) show that 121,000 jobs were lost between March 2025 and March 2026, while broader labour market data indicates that 301,000 people lost employment during the first quarter of 2026. Although there is no official evidence that attributes these job losses directly to the March and March movement, the figures have become part of the national debate surrounding the country’s economic direction.
Stats SA reports 121,000 annual job losses
According to the latest Quarterly Employment Survey (QES) released by Statistics South Africa, formal non-agricultural employment declined by 121,000 jobs year-on-year, representing a 1.1% decrease between March 2025 and March 2026.
Employment also declined by 80,000 jobs during the quarter, falling from 10.548 million to 10.468 million.
The largest employment declines occurred in:
- Community services (-53,000)
- Trade (-40,000)
- Transport (-3,000)
- Electricity (-1,000)
Meanwhile, modest employment gains were recorded in:
- Manufacturing (+7,000)
- Business services (+7,000)
- Mining (+2,000)
- Construction (+1,000)
Quarterly Labour Force Survey paints a bleaker picture
The Quarterly Labour Force Survey (QLFS) paints an even more concerning picture.
The survey found that South Africa’s official unemployment rate increased to 32.7% during the first quarter of 2026, with approximately 301,000 people losing employment across the broader economy.
Unlike the QES, which measures formal business employment, the QLFS captures employment across formal, informal and agricultural sectors.
Economists therefore use both reports together to understand labour market trends.
March and March movement enters the debate
The release of the latest employment statistics has coincided with nationwide demonstrations associated with the March and March movement.
The movement has organised protests calling for stronger action against illegal immigration, crime, corruption and economic challenges.
During online discussions and public commentary surrounding the demonstrations, some participants have linked worsening employment figures to the broader national environment in which the protests are taking place.
However, there is no official government report, Statistics South Africa publication or independent economic study concluding that the March and March protests caused the reported job losses.
The employment figures cover the period from March 2025 to March 2026, during which numerous domestic and international economic factors affected employment.
Leaders publicly associated with the March and March movement
Several individuals have become publicly associated with organising, promoting or speaking on behalf of the movement and related nationwide marches. These include:
- Bonginkosi Khanyile – Activist and one of the most visible public organisers supporting anti-illegal immigration marches.
- Nhlanhla “Lux” Dlamini – Leader of Operation Dudula, whose supporters have participated in similar campaigns calling for stricter immigration enforcement.
- Sabelo Sigenu – Public commentator and activist who has appeared in discussions surrounding community mobilisation on immigration and crime.
Depending on the province, local community organisations and civic leaders have also participated in organising demonstrations.
Note: Leadership structures within the March and March movement have not always been formally defined, and organisers may vary by region.
Economists warn consumers remain under pressure
Standard Bank Group Head of South Africa Macroeconomic Research Dr Elna Moolman described the employment data as worrying.
She noted that private-sector job losses, particularly in wholesale trade, hospitality and accommodation, indicate increasing financial pressure on South African households.
According to Moolman:
- More consumers are falling behind on debt repayments.
- Non-performing loans have increased.
- Cost-of-living pressures continue to rise.
- Higher interest rates have placed additional strain on households.
She expects consumers to remain under pressure throughout the remainder of the year.
Public frustration continues growing
South Africans continue expressing frustration over:
- High unemployment
- Crime
- Illegal immigration
- Rising living costs
- Service delivery failures
- Economic stagnation
These concerns have fuelled numerous protests across the country.
Government has repeatedly appealed for demonstrations to remain peaceful and within the law while encouraging dialogue through democratic institutions.
Government departments involved
Several government institutions are responsible for matters discussed during the protests:
- Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) – Employment and labour market statistics.
- Department of Employment and Labour – Employment policies and labour regulation.
- Department of Home Affairs – Immigration and border management.
- South African Police Service (SAPS) – Public order policing and law enforcement.
- Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) – Official government communication.
Official Government Links
- Statistics South Africa (Stats SA)
https://www.statssa.gov.za/ - Quarterly Employment Survey (QES)
https://www.statssa.gov.za/?page_id=1854 - Quarterly Labour Force Survey (QLFS)
https://www.statssa.gov.za/?page_id=737 - Department of Employment and Labour
https://www.labour.gov.za/ - Department of Home Affairs
https://www.dha.gov.za/ - South African Police Service (SAPS)
https://www.saps.gov.za/ - Government Communication and Information System (GCIS)
https://www.gcis.gov.za/ - The Presidency of South Africa
https://www.thepresidency.gov.za/
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Looking ahead
The latest employment figures highlight the significant challenges facing South Africa’s economy. While the 121,000 jobs lost between March 2025 and March 2026 have intensified public debate during the March and March protests, there is currently no verified evidence establishing a causal link between the movement and the job losses.
As government, businesses and communities continue searching for solutions, employment creation, economic growth and public safety are likely to remain central issues in South Africa’s national conversation.
References from mainstream media
- BusinessTech – South Africa bleeds 121,000 jobs
BusinessTech – South Africa bleeds 121,000 jobs - Eyewitness News (EWN) – SA labour market sheds 120,000 jobs between March 2025 and 2026
Eyewitness News – SA labour market sheds 120,000 jobs between March 2025 and 2026 - IOL Business Report – Stats SA reports 80,000 jobs were lost in first three months of 2026
IOL – Stats SA reports 80,000 jobs were lost in first three months of 2026
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