South Africa Unemployment Jumps to World's Highest Ahead of Pivotal Election

• South Africa's unemployment rate rose to 32.1% in Q4 2023, already the highest in the world • 7.9 million South Africans are now unemployed, with youth unemployment at 59.4% • High unemployment is a key issue ahead of this year's national elections • Polls predict the ruling ANC may dip below 50% of the vote for the first time • The opposition DA is exploring a coalition with smaller parties to try to force the ANC out of government