The formal sector now employs just 9.6-million people. The last time it employed this few was 2010. The formal sector is in trouble.

The informal sector has done rather better. In the Covid-19 era, both formal and informal sectors experienced a sharp decline in employment when lockdowns started in March 2020, but then there was a quick recovery in the second half. The problem is that recovery was short-lived for the formal sector, which saw employment slump throughout 2021, to levels below the lockdown. In contrast, the informal sector has sustained its recovery trend...

Subscribe now to unlock this article.

Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).

There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.

Cancel anytime.

Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.

Speech Bubbles

Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.