BREAKING: 120,000 Jobs Lost Since ANTI-IMMIGANT STARTED IN MARCH

BREAKING: 120,000 Jobs Lost Since ANTI-IMMIGANT STARTED IN MARCH has become a trending topic following the release of new employment figures showing that South Africa’s labour market continues to face severe pressure. However, it is important to distinguish between the timing of the nationwide anti-immigrant protests and the official employment statistics.

The latest Stats SA employment data shows that 121,000 jobs were lost between March 2025 and March 2026, representing a year-on-year decline of 1.1%. While these job losses occurred during the same period in which the March and March protests gained national attention, there is no official evidence that the protests directly caused the 121,000 job losses.

Instead, economists point to broader economic challenges, weak growth, rising business costs and declining consumer spending as the primary drivers of employment losses.

Stats SA employment data paints a difficult picture

Statistics South Africa’s latest Quarterly Employment Statistics (QES) survey revealed that formal non-agricultural employment declined significantly over the past year.

According to Stats SA:

• Total formal employment declined by 121,000 jobs between March 2025 and March 2026.
• Employment fell by 80,000 jobs during the first quarter of 2026 alone.
• Full-time employment dropped by 48,000 jobs year-on-year.
• Part-time employment declined by 73,000 jobs over the same period.

Statistician Matlapane Masupye said the decreases were concentrated across several sectors, including food manufacturing, trade, transport, electricity, construction and community services.

Although manufacturing, mining, construction and business services posted modest gains, they were insufficient to offset wider losses across the economy.

South Africa jobs under increasing pressure

The latest employment figures add to growing concerns surrounding South Africa jobs and the country’s stubbornly high unemployment rate.

Earlier in 2026, the Quarterly Labour Force Survey (QLFS) showed unemployment rising to 32.7%, highlighting the fragile state of the labour market.

Businesses continue facing:

• Weak economic growth
• High operating costs
• Reduced consumer spending
• Increased debt among households
• Ongoing electricity and logistics challenges

These structural issues have affected hiring decisions across many industries.

Anti-immigrant protests dominate national debate

The recent anti-immigrant protests have become one of South Africa’s most divisive public issues.

The demonstrations, widely referred to as the March and March protests, were organised in several cities including:

• Johannesburg
• Durban
• Cape Town
• Pietermaritzburg
• Pretoria

Protest organisers argue that stricter enforcement of immigration laws is necessary to protect employment opportunities for South African citizens.

Their demands have included:

• Greater enforcement against undocumented migrants
• Stronger border controls
• Action against employers hiring undocumented workers
• Increased regulation of informal businesses

Critics, however, argue that blaming migrants oversimplifies South Africa’s unemployment crisis and risks fuelling xenophobia.

Leaders associated with the March and March protests

Several activists and public figures have become associated with the March and March campaign and broader anti-illegal immigration movement.

Among the most widely recognised are:

Sabelo Sigenu

One of the organisers who has publicly advocated for stricter immigration enforcement and accountability regarding undocumented migration.

Nhlanhla “Lux” Dlamini

Founder of Operation Dudula, which has previously organised campaigns targeting undocumented immigration and illegal employment practices.

Operation Dudula activists

Although separate from the March and March campaign, several Operation Dudula supporters have participated in similar demonstrations calling for tighter immigration controls.

Government departments have repeatedly urged protesters to remain peaceful and avoid violence or intimidation.

Small businesses feel immediate impact

Although the 121,000 job losses cannot be directly attributed to the protests, businesses in affected communities have reported immediate operational disruptions.

Some areas experienced:

• Temporary business closures
• Reduced customer traffic
• Supply chain interruptions
• Employee absenteeism
• Damage caused by isolated incidents of looting

Small retailers and informal traders have been particularly vulnerable.

Some immigrant-owned businesses temporarily closed operations due to safety concerns during demonstrations.

Economists warn against oversimplifying unemployment

Several economists caution against linking unemployment solely to immigration.

Economist Jannie Rossouw argues that South Africa requires policies that encourage economic growth rather than relying on restrictive approaches alone.

According to Rossouw, stronger private-sector investment, improved infrastructure and policy certainty remain essential for sustainable employment creation.

Similarly, economists note that unemployment has been rising for years due to slow GDP growth, limited investment and structural weaknesses in the economy.

Standard Bank economist highlights consumer pressure

Dr Elna Moolman, Standard Bank Group Head of South Africa Macroeconomic Research, described the latest employment report as presenting a “reasonably bleak picture.”

She highlighted several warning signs:

• Rising financial pressure on households
• Increased overdue debt
• Growing non-performing loans
• Higher cost of living
• Pressure from interest rate increases

These factors continue reducing consumer spending, which in turn limits business expansion and hiring.

Which sectors lost the most jobs?

The Quarterly Employment Statistics identified several industries with substantial employment declines.

The largest losses included:

Community services

-53,000 jobs

Trade

-40,000 jobs

Transport

-3,000 jobs

Electricity

-1,000 jobs

Meanwhile, modest gains were recorded in:

• Manufacturing (+7,000)
• Business services (+7,000)
• Mining (+2,000)
• Construction (+1,000)

Overall, the gains were not enough to reverse the broader downward trend.

Government response to unemployment

Government continues implementing several employment initiatives through:

• The Department of Employment and Labour
• The Department of Home Affairs
• Statistics South Africa
• The Presidency’s economic recovery programmes

Authorities have also reiterated that immigration laws must be enforced while protecting constitutional rights and preventing violence against individuals or businesses.

Officials continue encouraging lawful protest and dialogue rather than vigilantism.

Useful government resources include:

• Statistics South Africa: https://www.statssa.gov.za
• Department of Employment and Labour: https://www.labour.gov.za
• Department of Home Affairs: https://www.dha.gov.za
• South African Government: https://www.gov.za

The bigger picture

While the phrase BREAKING: 120,000 Jobs Lost Since ANTI-IMMIGANT STARTED IN MARCH reflects the overlap in timing between employment losses and recent demonstrations, the available evidence does not establish that the protests caused the 121,000 jobs to disappear.

The Statistics South Africa figures measure employment across the formal economy over a 12-month period and reflect broader economic conditions affecting businesses nationwide.

However, analysts acknowledge that prolonged unrest, business disruptions and uncertainty can negatively affect local economies if they continue.

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Conclusion

BREAKING: 120,000 Jobs Lost Since ANTI-IMMIGANT STARTED IN MARCH has intensified debate about unemployment, immigration and economic policy in South Africa.

The latest Stats SA employment figures confirm that 121,000 formal jobs were lost between March 2025 and March 2026. While the timing overlaps with the rise of the March and March protests, experts caution that South Africa’s unemployment crisis is driven primarily by long-term economic challenges rather than a single event.

As the country searches for solutions, policymakers, businesses and communities face the shared challenge of rebuilding economic growth, restoring investor confidence and creating sustainable employment opportunities for all South Africans.