Hiring activity (monthly job postings) in South Africa fell by 10% in May 2024 when compared to May 2023, according to the latest Pnet Job Market Trends Report. Pnet is part of the StepStone Group.

The report noted that hiring activity remains volatile. After April every year there is usually an uptake in hiring activity, however May 2024 showed a slight decrease in hiring activity. This may be partly as a result of political instability and concerns leading up to and following the 2024 South Africa elections, it added.

The trend for the two-year comparison reveals that recruitment activity has decreased by -5% compared to May 2022.

Only one sector (architecture and engineering) showed year-on-year growth, considering the slowed hiring activity in 2024 thus far. Although there has been lower and more volatile hiring activity for this sector in 2024, year-on-year, it has increased by 6%.

The Pnet Job Market Trends Report provides insights into recruitment and employment trends in the South African market. Developed to give local businesses a useful summary of the monthly trends shaping the recruitment market, the report also provides sector-specific insights from both an employer and candidate perspective.

The report is based on empirical data sourced from The Stepstone Group South Africa’s online recruitment platforms.