Bad news about unemployment and poverty in South Africa

• South Africa is facing stubbornly high unemployment and rising absolute poverty, with 42% broad unemployment and 66% absolute poverty rate.
• The country's inability to create jobs and ensure incomes grow has resulted in a growing workforce being unable to be absorbed by the economy, with a 1% GDP growth rate equating to only 100,000 new jobs.
• The situation has led to widespread disillusionment with democratic institutions and a desire for radical change, with economists calling for significantly more investment to boost economic growth and job creation.