MEDIA STATEMENT

Stats SA Engages Capitec on Labour Statistics and Informal Sector Dynamics 

04 July 2025

For immediate release

The Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, the Statistician-General, Mr Risenga Maluleke, and senior representatives from Stats SA and National Treasury met with Capitec Bank CEO Mr Gerrie Fourie and his management team on 3^rd of July 2025 in Stellenbosch to discuss recent public discourse questioning South Africa’s official unemployment figures.

Capitec CEO Mr Fourie had suggested that the actual unemployment rate, which Stats SA reports at 32.9%, may be closer to 10%, based on observations of informal economic activity.

In response, the delegation from Stats SA gave a comprehensive presentation detailing the methodology behind the Quarterly Labour Force Survey (QLFS), which is a nationally representative, household-based survey that already includes informal and self-employed workers in line with International Labour Organization standards.

Minister Ntshavheni first announced the meeting during Stats SA’s Budget Vote debate in parliament. The minister also mentioned that the meeting will be followed by a meeting with other stakeholders in the short-term insurance company.

Following the meeting, Mr Maluleke described the discussions as cordial and constructive. He indicated that Stats SA remained open to exploring the development of a statistical register for small-scale and informal businesses, which he said would strengthen the quality and granularity of labour market data and support policy initiatives from the Department of Small Business Development.

“We have listened to them, and we need to investigate the issues of a statistical register for small business,” Mr Maluleke stated.

“Stats SA methods remain robust… We do not fix statistics to feel better about our reality. We reflect that reality, so the country can make evidence‑based decisions to change it.”

Mr Fourie said, “We welcome the engagement with the Minister in the Presidency, the Statistician-General and Treasury, and are committed to working with Government and the private sector to help South Africa grow.”

The informal market is vibrant and dynamic, but we believe this growth will only be achieved once the informal economy is properly understood and supported with the right policy frameworks, infrastructure, funding and skills development.”

Stats SA is committed to advancing data integrity and is evaluating additional statistical tools, including a register for informal enterprises.

If implemented, this register will complement the QLFS and serve as a valuable sampling frame for improved labour market analysis.

In conclusion, the parties agreed to explore ways of continuously enhancing understanding of the informal sector by leveraging a range of available data sources including administrative records and research studies.

As part of coordinating producers and stakeholders within the broader data ecosystem under the National Statistics System (NSS), a series of methodological tests and innovations will be conducted over the coming years to refine labour market indicators and support inclusive economic policymaking.

The Minister in the Presidency and National Treasury affirm their support for open dialogue with stakeholders and for strengthening data systems across the economy. Future updates will be communicated as developments occur.

Notes for editors

• The QLFS is conducted quarterly using a sample of approximately 30 000 households and includes informal and self‑employed individuals.
• The 32.9% unemployment rate refers to Q1 2025, as reported by Stats SA.
• Capitec maintains that informal sector activity suggests a lower unemployment rate, though this view is not supported by current survey methodology.
• Stats SA continues exploring methods to improve labour market measurements, with a focus on data inclusivity.

Ends//

For media enquiries contact:

Felicia Sithole

Tel: 012 339 2401

Cell: 076 430 0693

Email: felicias@statssa.gov.za