Joburg shows resilience with 23 000 new jobs despite economic pressure

At the historic Cathedral Church of Saint Mary, within the Archbishop Desmond Tutu Precinct, Executive Mayor Cllr Dada Morero delivered an optimistic and ambitious State of the City Address, positioning Johannesburg as a city that continues to grow despite economic strain, unemployment pressures and rapid population growth. Addressing residents and stakeholders, Mayor Morero pointed to encouraging signs in Johannesburg's labour market, citing the latest Quarterly Labour Force Survey from Stats SA for the first quarter of 2026.

He said Johannesburg recorded a net employment increase of 23 000 jobs, while the city's working population grew by 14 000 people during the same period. Although unemployment in Johannesburg increased slightly from 33.8% to 34.7%, Morero said the rise was lower than in other major metros, reflecting the city's ability to absorb more people into the economy despite mounting demographic pressure.

“These figures point to a city that is absorbing more people, expanding employment quarter-on-quarter and demonstrating stronger labour market resilience under heavier demographic pressure," he said.

Cllr Morero emphasised that the next challenge is sustaining and accelerating this progress through increased investment, stronger infrastructure and improved service delivery.

“Our responsibility now is to build on this momentum by accelerating investment, supporting businesses and strengthening service delivery so that more residents can participate meaningfully in Johannesburg's economy," he said.
Youth employment featured prominently in the address, particularly as South Africa prepares to mark the 50th anniversary of the 1976 June 16 Youth Uprising. Morero committed the City to creating more opportunities for young people over the next five years.

“In the next five years, we must exceed the target of creating 50 000 jobs for the youth of Johannesburg. Young people fought for freedom and education. We owe them economic freedom," he said.

The Mayor also outlined key priorities for the 2026/27 financial year, including revenue protection, economic diversification, industrial development, township revitalisation and job creation. “The future we are creating tells a story of decisive leadership — leadership that creates financial sustainability, strengthens infrastructure resilience, advances spatial justice, enforces the rule of law and embraces digital governance."

Johannesburg's growing attractiveness to investors also featured strongly in the address. Over the past year, the city secured R26.6 billion in investment and hosted major international events, including the G20 Summit, LIV Golf, Joburg Open and the Second African Forum on Urban Forests.

These events generated an estimated R2 billion in economic activity and helped elevate Johannesburg's global profile.

“Our collective action and willingness to work together is bearing fruit and, as a result, investor confidence is clearly growing," said Morero.

Closing on a hopeful note, the Mayor reaffirmed Johannesburg's position as South Africa's economic engine and a key driver of growth on the African continent. “Every time I hear someone say Johannesburg remains Africa's richest city, it warms my heart. It means we have not collapsed, and we must be doing something right."

Written by Sascha-Lee Joseph
21/05/2026

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