Abstract

The Quarterly Labour Force Survey (QLFS) is a household-based sample survey conducted by Statistics South Africa (StatsSA). It collects data on the labour market activities of individuals aged 15 years or older who live in South Africa. Since 2008, StatsSA have produced an annual dataset based on the QLFS data, "Labour Market Dynamics in South Africa". The dataset is constructed using data from all all four QLFS datasets in the year. The dataset also includes a number of variables (including income) that are not available in any of the QLFS datasets from 2010.

Geographic coverage

National coverage

Analysis unit

Individuals

Universe

The QLFS sample covers the non-institutional population except for those in workers' hostels. However, persons living in private dwelling units within institutions are enumerated. For example, within a school compound, one would enumerate the schoolmaster's house and teachers' accommodation because these are private dwellings. Students living in a dormitory on the school compound would, however, be excluded.

Kind of data

Sample survey data [ssd]

Sampling procedure

Each year the LMDSA is created by combining the QLFS waves for that year and then including some additional variables. The QLFS master frame for this LMDSA was based on the 2011 population census by Stas SA. The sampling is stratified by province, district, and geographic type (urban, traditional, farm). There are 3324 PSUs drawn each year, using probability proportional to size (PPS) sampling. In the second stage Dwelling Units (DUs) are systematically selected from PSUs. The 3324 PSU are split into four groups for the year, and at each quarter the DUs from the given group are replaced by substitute DUs from the same PSU or the next PSU on the list (in the same group). It should be noted that the sampling unit is the dwelling, and the unit of observation is the household. Therefore, if a household moves out of a dwelling after being in the sample for, two quarters and a new household moves in, the new household will be enumerated for two more quarters until the DU is rotated out. If no household moves into the sampled dwelling, the dwelling will be classified as vacant (or unoccupied).

Mode of data collection

Computer Assisted Telephone Interview [cati]

Research instrument

The survey questionnaire consists of the following sections: - Particulars of each person in the household - Economic activities in the last week for persons aged 15 years - Unemployment and economic inactivity for persons aged 15 years - Main work activity in the last week for persons aged 15 years - Earnings in the main job for employees, employers and own-account workers aged 15 years - Migration for all persons aged 15 years

Data appraisal

The statistical release notes that missing values were "generally imputed" for item non-response but provides no detail on how Statistics SA did so.

The labor force participation rate for males in South Africa saw no significant changes in 2024 in comparison to the previous year 2023 and remained at around 64.5 percent. In comparison to 2023, the rate decreased not significantly by 0.1 percentage points (-0.15 percent). Male labor force participation is the share of men over 15 years who are economically active. For example, all men providing labor in a specific period for the production of goods and services.Find more statistics on other topics about South Africa with key insights such as youth unemployment rate, labor participation rate among the total population aged between 15 and 64, and female labor force participation rate.

Abstract

The Quarterly Labour Force Survey (QLFS) is a household-based sample survey conducted by Statistics South Africa (Stats SA). It collects data on the labour market activities of individuals aged 15 years or older who live in South Africa.

Geographic coverage

National coverage

Analysis unit

Individuals

Universe

The QLFS sample covers the non-institutional population of South Africa with one exception. The only institutional subpopulation included in the QLFS sample are individuals in worker's hostels. Persons living in private dwelling units within institutions are also enumerated. For example, within a school compound, one would enumerate the schoolmaster's house and teachers' accommodation because these are private dwellings. Students living in a dormitory on the school compound would, however, be excluded.

Kind of data

Sample survey data [ssd]

Sampling procedure

The QLFS uses a master sampling frame that is used by several household surveys conducted by Statistics South Africa. This wave of the QLFS is based on the 2013 master frame, which was created based on the 2011 census. There are 3324 PSUs in the master frame and roughly 33 000 dwelling units.

The sample for the QLFS is based on a stratified two-stage design with probability proportional to size (PPS) sampling of PSUs in the first stage, and sampling of dwelling units (DUs) with systematic sampling in the second stage.

For each quarter of the QLFS, a quarter of the sampled dwellings are rotated out of the sample. These dwellings are replaced by new dwellings from the same PSU or the next PSU on the list. For more information see the statistical release.

Mode of data collection

Face-to-Face and Computer Assisted Personal and Telephone Interview

Labor Force Participation Rate in South Africa decreased to 60 percent in the first quarter of 2025 from 60.30 percent in the fourth quarter of 2024. This dataset provides - South Africa Labor Force Participation Rate - actual values, historical data, forecast, chart, statistics, economic calendar and news.

Abstract

The Quarterly Labour Force Survey (QLFS) is a household-based sample survey conducted by Statistics South Africa (StatsSA). It collects data on the labour market activities of individuals aged 15 years or older who live in South Africa. Since 2008, StatsSA have produced an annual dataset based on the QLFS data, "Labour Market Dynamics in South Africa". The dataset is constructed using data from all all four QLFS datasets in the year. The dataset also includes a number of variables (including income) that are not available in any of the QLFS datasets from 2010.

Geographic coverage

The survey had national coverage.

Analysis unit

Individuals

Universe

The QLFS sample covers the non-institutional population except for those in workers' hostels. However, persons living in private dwelling units within institutions are enumerated. For example, within a school compound, one would enumerate the schoolmaster's house and teachers' accommodation because these are private dwellings. Students living in a dormitory on the school compound would, however, be excluded.

Kind of data

Sample survey data [ssd]

Sampling procedure

Each year the LMDSA is created by combining the QLFS waves for that year and then including some additional variables. The QLFS master frame for this LMDSA was based on the 2011 population census by Stas SA. The sampling is stratified by province, district, and geographic type (urban, traditional, farm).

There are 3324 PSUs drawn each year, using probability proportional to size (PPS) sampling. In the second stage Dwelling Units (DUs) are systematically selected from PSUs. The 3324 PSU are split into four groups for the year, and at each quarter the DUs from the given group are replaced by substitute DUs from the same PSU or the next PSU on the list (in the same group). It should be noted that the sampling unit is the dwelling, and the unit of observation is the household. Therefore, if a household moves out of a dwelling after being in the sample for, two quarters and a new household moves in, the new household will be enumerated for two more quarters until the DU is rotated out. If no household moves into the sampled dwelling, the dwelling will be classified as vacant (or unoccupied).

For more information see the statistical release that accompanies the data.

Mode of data collection

Face-to-face [f2f]

The unemployment rate in South Africa increased by 1.1 percentage points (+3.43 percent) in 2024 in comparison to the previous year. In total, the unemployment rate amounted to 33.17 percent in 2024. This increase was preceded by a declining unemployment rate.The unemployment rate refers to the share of the workforce that is currently not working but is actively searching for work. It does not include the economically inactive population, such as the long-term unemployed, those aged under 15 years, or retired persons.Find more statistics on other topics about South Africa with key insights such as gross tertiary enrollment ratio, youth literacy rate (people aged 15-24), and Gender Parity Index (GPI) in youth literacy.

Key information about South Africa Labour Force Participation Rate

• South Africa Labour Force Participation Rate dropped to 60.2 % in Sep 2024, compared with 60.6 % in the previous quarter.
• South Africa Labour Force Participation Rate is updated quarterly, available from Mar 2008 to Sep 2024, with an average rate of 58.3 % .
• The data reached the an all-time high of 60.7 % in Mar 2024 and a record low of 47.3 % in Jun 2020.
• South Africa Labour Force Participation Rate is reported by reported by Statistics South Africa.
• In the latest reports, South Africa Population reached 60.6 million people in Jun 2022.
• Unemployment Rate of South Africa dropped to 32.1 % in Sep 2024.
• The country's Monthly Earnings stood at 1,466.8 USD in May 2024.

The Quarterly Labour Force Survey (QLFS) is a household-based sample survey conducted by Statistics South Africa (Stats SA). It collects data on the labour market activities of individuals aged 15 years or older who live in South Africa.

The LFS is a twice-yearly rotating panel household survey, specifically designed to measure the dynamics of employment and unemployment in the country. It also provides insight into a variety of issues related to the labour market, including unemployment rates (official and expanded), according to standard definitions of the International Labour Organisation (ILO). There are 4 data files. House data: 28,594 cases; Migrant data: 8 245 cases; Person data: 109,888 cases; Worker data: 73,797 cases.

The LFS is a twice-yearly rotating panel household survey, specifically designed to measure the dynamics of employment and unemployment in South Africa. It measures a variety of issues related to the labour market,including unemployment rates (official and expanded), according to standard definitions of the International Labour Organisation (ILO). All editions of the LFS have been updated (some more than once) since their release. These version changes are detailed in a document available from DataFirst (in the "external documents" section titled "LFS 2000-2008 Collated Version Notes on the South African LFS").

Abstract

The LFS is a twice-yearly rotating panel household survey, specifically designed to measure the dynamics of employment and unemployment in South Africa. It measures a variety of issues related to the labour market,including unemployment rates (official and expanded), according to standard definitions of the International Labour Organisation (ILO).

All editions of the LFS have been updated (some more than once) since their release. These version changes are detailed in a document available from DataFirst (in the "external documents" section titled "LFS 2000-2008 Collated Version Notes on the South African LFS").

Geographic coverage

National Coverage

Analysis unit

Households (dwellings) and individuals

Universe

The LFS sample covers the non-institutional population except for workers' hostels. However, persons living in private dwelling units within institutions are also enumerated. For example, within a school compound, one would enumerate the schoolmaster's house and teachers' accommodation because these are private dwellings. Students living in a dormitory on the school compound would, however, be excluded.

Kind of data

Sample survey data [ssd]

Sampling procedure

Statistics South Africa uses a rotating panel methodology for the labour force survey. The rotating panel methodology involves visiting the same dwelling units on a number of occasions (in this instance, five at most). After the panel is established, a proportion of the dwelling units is replaced each round (in this instance, 20%). New dwelling units are added to the sample to replace those that are taken out.

Enumeration Areas (EAs) that had a household count of less than twenty-five were omitted from the census 2001 frame that was used to draw the sample of Primary Sampling Units (PSUs) for the new Master Sample. Other omissions from the Master Sample frame included all institution EAs except workers, hostels, convents and monasteries. EAs from census 2001 were pooled in two stages, before and after sampling. Before sampling the criterion that was used to pool EAs was that they should contain a minimum of one hundred households. However, during listing it was discovered that there were discrepancies between the information on the database and what was on the ground.

Therefore, in the second stage of pooling, EAs that were found to have less than sixty dwelling units during listing were pooled. The Master Sample is a multi-stage stratified sample. The overall sample size of PSUs was 3000. The explicit strata were the 53 district councils/metros (DCs). The 3000 PSUs were allocated to these DCs using the power allocation method. The PSUs were then sampled using probability proportional to size principles. The measure of size used was the number of households in a PSU as calculated in the census. The sampled PSUs were listed with the dwelling unit as the listing unit. From these listings systematic samples of dwelling units per PSU were drawn. These samples of dwelling units form clusters. The size of the clusters differs depending on the specific survey requirements. The LFS uses one of the clusters that contain ten dwelling units.

Mode of data collection

Face-to-face [f2f]

Abstract

The LFS is a twice-yearly rotating panel household survey, specifically designed to measure the dynamics of employment and unemployment in South Africa. It measures a variety of issues related to the labour market,including unemployment rates (official and expanded), according to standard definitions of the International Labour Organisation (ILO).

All editions of the LFS have been updated (some more than once) since their release. These version changes are detailed in a document available from DataFirst (in the "external documents" section titled "LFS 2000-2008 Collated Version Notes on the South African LFS").

Analysis unit

Individuals and households

Universe

The LFS sample covers the non-institutional population except for workers' hostels. However, persons living in private dwelling units within institutions are also enumerated. For example, within a school compound, one would enumerate the schoolmaster's house and teachers' accommodation because these are private dwellings. Students living in a dormitory on the school compound would, however, be excluded.

Kind of data

Sample survey data [ssd]

Sampling procedure

The LFS is a twice-yearly rotating panel household survey. A rotating panel sample involves visiting the same dwelling units on a number of occasions (in this instance, five at most), and replacing a proportion of these dwelling units each round. New dwelling units are added to the sample to replace those that are taken out. The pilot round of LFS fieldwork took place in February 2000, based on a probability sample of 10 000 dwelling units. This survey took place six months later, using a larger probability sample of 30,000 dwelling units. Among the 10,000 households visited in February, approximately 40% were re-visited in September 2000. The fieldworkers had some difficulty in identifying certain dwelling units in the sample, particularly in those areas where there are no addresses.

The Master Sample is based on the 1996 Population Census of enumeration areas (EA) and the estimated number of dwelling units from the 1996 Population Census. All 3000 PSUs included in the Master Sample were used in the Labour Force Survey. A PSU is either one EA or several EAs when the number of dwelling units in the base or originally selected EA was found to have less than 100 dwelling units. Each EA had to have approximately 150 dwelling units but it was discovered that many contained less. Thus, in some cases, it has been found necessary to add EAs to the original (census) EA to ensure that the minimum requirement of 100 dwellings, in the first stage of forming the PSUs, was met. The size of the PSUs in the Master Sample varied from 100 to 2445 dwelling units. Special dwellings such as prisons, hospitals, boarding houses, hotels, guest houses (whether catering or self-catering), schools and churches were excluded from the sample.

Explicit stratification of the PSUs was done by province and area type (urban/rural). Within each explicit stratum, the PSUs were implicitly stratified by District Council, Magisterial District and, within the magisterial district, by average household income (for formal urban areas and hostels) or EA. The allocated number of EAs was systematically selected with "probability proportional to size" in each stratum. Once the PSUs included in the sample were known, their boundaries had to be identified on the ground. After boundary identification, the next stage was to list accurately all the dwelling units in the PSUs.

The second stage of the sample selection was to draw from the dwelling units listing whereby a systematic sample of 10 dwelling units was drawn from each PSU. As a result, approximately 30,000 households (units) were interviewed. However, if there was growth of more than 20% in a PSU, then the sample size was increased systematically according to the proportion of growth in the PSU.

Mode of data collection

Face-to-face [f2f]

The Quarterly Labour Force Survey (QLFS) is a household-based sample survey conducted by Statistics South Africa (StatsSA). It collects data on the labour market activities of individuals aged 15 years or older who live in South Africa. Since 2008, StatsSA have produced an annual dataset based on the QLFS data, "Labour Market Dynamics in South Africa". The dataset is constructed using data from all all four QLFS datasets in the year. The dataset also includes a number of variables (including income) that are not available in any of the QLFS datasets from 2010.

In the fourth quarter of 2024, the labor force participation rate peaked among South Africans aged 35 to 44, reaching 79.5 percent. Compared to the same quarter in 2023, there was a no year-on-year change of observed. Among the population between 45 and 54 years old, the participation in the labor market in South Africa was close to 75 percent, which was slightly higher than the 73.3 percent rate recorded for young South Africans (25 to 34 years).

South Africa Employment: Labour Force Survey: Non Agricultural: Formal: Manufacturing data was reported at 1,616.846 Person th in Mar 2018. This records an increase from the previous number of 1,548.067 Person th for Dec 2017. South Africa Employment: Labour Force Survey: Non Agricultural: Formal: Manufacturing data is updated quarterly, averaging 1,598.702 Person th from Mar 2008 (Median) to Mar 2018, with 41 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 1,853.621 Person th in Jun 2008 and a record low of 1,456.312 Person th in Mar 2016. South Africa Employment: Labour Force Survey: Non Agricultural: Formal: Manufacturing data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Statistics South Africa. The data is categorized under Global Database’s South Africa – Table ZA.G009: Employment: by Industry.

The annual population growth in South Africa declined to 1.33 percent in 2023. Nevertheless, the last two years recorded a significantly higher population growth than the preceding years.Population growth refers to the annual change in population, and is based on the balance between birth and death rates, as well as migration.Find more key insights for the annual population growth in countries like Botswana and Swaziland.

Geographic coverage

National coverage

Analysis unit

households/individuals

Kind of data

survey

Frequency of data collection

Quarterly: average based on 3 monthly data points

Sampling procedure

Sample size:

South Africa ZA: Labour Force: % Change over Previous Period data was reported at 3.511 % in 2017. This records an increase from the previous number of 2.127 % for 2016. South Africa ZA: Labour Force: % Change over Previous Period data is updated yearly, averaging 2.353 % from Dec 1995 (Median) to 2017, with 23 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 20.548 % in 2000 and a record low of -2.135 % in 1995. South Africa ZA: Labour Force: % Change over Previous Period data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by International Monetary Fund. The data is categorized under Global Database’s South Africa – Table ZA.IMF.IFS: Labour Force, Employment and Unemployment: Annual.

South Africa ZA: Labour Force Participation Rate: National Estimate: Male: % of Male Population Aged 15+ data was reported at 62.954 % in 2017. This records an increase from the previous number of 62.279 % for 2016. South Africa ZA: Labour Force Participation Rate: National Estimate: Male: % of Male Population Aged 15+ data is updated yearly, averaging 58.118 % from Dec 1960 (Median) to 2017, with 30 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 64.406 % in 2008 and a record low of 39.607 % in 2002. South Africa ZA: Labour Force Participation Rate: National Estimate: Male: % of Male Population Aged 15+ data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s South Africa – Table ZA.World Bank.WDI: Labour Force. Labor force participation rate is the proportion of the population ages 15 and older that is economically active: all people who supply labor for the production of goods and services during a specified period.; ; International Labour Organization, ILOSTAT database. Data retrieved in September 2018.; Weighted average; The series for ILO estimates is also available in the WDI database. Caution should be used when comparing ILO estimates with national estimates.

The Labour Force Survey is a twice-yearly rotating panel household survey, specifically designed to measure the dynamics of employment and unemployment in the country. It plans to measure a variety of issues related to the labour market, including unemployment rates (official and expanded), according to standard definitions of the International Labour Organisation (ILO). 5 data files. Person data: 98,748; Workers data: 67,836; Migrant data: 6,248 cases; House data: 26,835 cases; Stratpsu (Stratum and PSU numbers) data: 2,699 cases;