Every year, South Africans mark 1 May as Workers’ Day—a date meant to honour the efforts and victories of workers and the trade unions that fought for fair treatment and unity in the workplace.

But for many people in the country right now, this public holiday feels less like a celebration and more like a painful reminder of how far we still have to go.

With joblessness, underemployment, and ongoing strikes shaping the working landscape, it’s getting harder to connect the day with the positive progress it was intended to represent.

Unemployment Is Still Through the Roof

According to the latest data from Statistics South Africa (Stats SA), nearly one out of every three adults in the country doesn’t have a job.

That’s 32.9% unemployed as of the last quarter of 2024—a rise from 31.1% in the previous quarter.

Young people are hit the hardest.

The youth unemployment rate currently stands at a shocking 44.6%.

While that’s a slight dip from the previous quarter’s 45.5%, it still paints a bleak picture for young South Africans trying to get a foot in the door.

Even Having a Job Doesn’t Always Mean Security

It’s not just about getting a job—it’s also about the quality of that job.

Many employed people are stuck in part-time or contract positions that don’t come with benefits, stability, or a decent wage.

Stats SA reports that 4.6% of the employed population are dealing with what’s called “time-related underemployment.”

In simpler terms, that’s nearly 788,000 people working fewer than 35 hours a week—not by choice, but because they can’t find more hours.

These people want to work more, earn more, and support their families—but they aren’t given the opportunity.

Low Pay Is Keeping People Down

Alongside underemployment is the ongoing issue of underpayment.

Too many workers accept unstable, low-paying jobs just to get by.

And as the cost of living rises, their take-home pay just doesn’t stretch far enough.

This growing frustration is driving more and more people to join unions and take part in strikes.

Workers are demanding fair treatment, and many feel that protesting is the only way to get attention and action from those in power.

Strikes Are Becoming the Norm

From hospitals to classrooms, workers across both the public and private sectors have been walking out in protest.

Healthcare and education workers, in particular, have led multiple demonstrations, calling for more job opportunities, better pay, and improved working conditions.

Earlier this month, Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi acknowledged the rising number of labour protests during a national media briefing.

He emphasized the urgent need for job creation in the health sector—a clear sign that government officials are feeling the pressure too.

What Are We Really Celebrating?

If we’re being honest, it’s fair to ask: what exactly is being celebrated on Workers’ Day right now?

Long hours.

Dangerous working conditions.

Low pay.

Job insecurity.

Being undervalued.

These are the daily realities for millions of workers in South Africa.

It’s difficult to wave a flag when so many are still fighting for the most basic dignity at work.

Let’s Make Workers’ Day Mean Something Again

So instead of pretending all is well, let’s use Workers’ Day to speak up and demand more.

Let’s recognize the struggle so many face and hold leaders accountable for delivering change.

Because only when workers are truly valued, protected, and paid fairly will this holiday feel like a celebration—rather than a painful reminder of what’s still missing.