The City of Cape Town added 40 000 jobs since the last quarter, the highest of the metros. Year-on-year, the City added 70 000 jobs and also continues to lead South Africa’s cities with the lowest unemployment rate of 21,6% according to StatsSA’s Quarterly Labour Force Survey for Q3 2025. A total of 1,826 million Capetonians were employed in quarter three.
‘We’re encouraged by Cape Town’s sustained high employment levels and lowest unemployment rate. I’m especially happy for all Capetonians who have found a job over the last year, especially those who are working for the first time. Jobs mean dignity, and the ability to provide for your family. Cape Town aspires to be a city of hope for all, and one that works every day to help more people out of poverty and into jobs over time.
‘We know there is plenty more to do and that unemployment remains too high. To keep making progress, we will invest a South African-record R40 bn in infrastructure over three years, which will create an estimated 130 000 construction-related jobs alone, aside from the wider economic benefits. Importantly, 75% of this spending will directly benefit lower income households, ensuring reliable infrastructure and service delivery into the future for Capetonians,’ said Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis.
‘I want to highlight four ways we are making economic growth a priority, and creating jobs in the process. First, by releasing land from our property portfolio, we’ve enabled new commercial, residential, and mixed-use developments, generating thousands of construction jobs. Second, our Business Retention and Expansion program, covering Cape Town’s 33 industrial areas, has helped businesses expand locally, especially in manufacturing and other high-growth sectors. Third, our Ease of Doing Business Index has made it easier for companies to thrive, because when businesses grow, so do jobs. And fourth, through funding special purpose vehicles, we are developing skills pipelines in high-growth sectors, with the business process outsourcing sector alone adding over 10 000 new jobs last year.
‘These initiatives show that targeted, practical interventions can unlock opportunities, drive the economy, and create real employment for Capetonians,’ said Alderman James Vos, Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth.
