South Africa’s official unemployment rate was 32.6% in the second quarter, down from 32.9% in the first quarter, Statistics South Africa reported Tuesday.

The number of employed persons rose by 154,000 from the first quarter to a total of 16.3 million, nearly reaching the pre-pandemic level of 16.4 million. Employment has been increasing since the fourth quarter of 2021.

Statistics South Africa noted the expanded unemployment rate also fell in the second quarter to a level of 42.1%. The expanded unemployment rate includes official unemployment plus discouraged job seekers and those who have other reasons for not searching for work.

Jobs in the formal sector rose by 143,000 in the second quarter, excluding agriculture and private households. The number of informal jobs fell by 33,000. Employment increases were mainly in construction, trade and community and social services.

Youths ages 15 to 24 and 25 to 34 recorded the highest unemployment rates at 60.7% and 39.8%, respectively.