Cape Town has accounted for nearly half of all new jobs created across South Africa’s eight metropolitan municipalities over the past five years, according to the latest Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) Quarterly Labour Force Survey data.

According to a statement by the City of Cape Town, Cape Town added 418 000 jobs between the first quarter of 2022 and the second quarter of 2026, representing 49,6% of the total 841 000 jobs added across the metros during the period.

Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis said the city’s job growth than the combined job growth of the next four largest metros combined – Johannesburg, eThekwini, Tshwane and Ekurhuleni.

“Cape Town is one of eight metros, but we are home to a full 50% of all new jobs across South Africa’s cities,” said Hill-Lewis.

Cape Town outpaces Gauteng metros

The figures show Cape Town added 6,4 jobs for every job created in Johannesburg during the period.

The city also added more than four jobs for every one added in Tshwane and Ekurhuleni.

While Cape Town added 418 000 jobs, eThekwini recorded 142 000, Tshwane 102 000, Ekurhuleni 96 000 and Johannesburg 65 000.

Buffalo City added 50 000 jobs, while Nelson Mandela Bay added 14 000. Mangaung was the only metro to record a decline, with 46 000 fewer jobs.

Hill-Lewis said the figures were encouraging but acknowledged that more work remained to be done.

“There’s still plenty to do, but we are so encouraged by the 418 000 jobs added in our city over the current term,” he said.

City records lowest broad unemployment

Cape Town also recorded the lowest broad unemployment rate among the eight metros in the second quarter of 2026.

The city’s rate stood at 24,3%, compared with 35,3% in Buffalo City and 37,8% in eThekwini.

The broad measure includes unemployed people as well as those who are not actively looking for work.

At the other end of the scale, Ekurhuleni recorded a broad unemployment rate of 42,7%, followed by Mangaung at 41,2% and Johannesburg at 40,1%.

Cape Town’s broad unemployment rate was therefore 11 percentage points lower than Buffalo City’s, the next-best performing metro.

The city also recorded the lowest labour force inactivity rate at 28,7%.

More people entering the labour market

The City’s labour force grew by 396 000 over the period, which Hill-Lewis said showed that more people were finding work or actively looking for employment.

Cape Town’s labour inactivity rate fell by eight percentage points during the term.

James Vos, Mayco member for economic growth, said the figures showed the City’s economic approach was delivering results.

“This employment data is encouraging and shows that our economic growth approach is working,” said Vos.

He pointed to measures aimed at making it easier for businesses to operate, including efforts to reduce turnaround times for construction permits and business licences.

The City also attributed part of the employment growth to its investment in infrastructure.

It estimates that 130 000 construction-related jobs have flowed from its R40 billion infrastructure investment during the current term.

Cape Town recorded a South African record R12,2 billion in capital expenditure in 2025/26, double the R6 billion spent during the first year of the term.

According to City’s estimates, about 75% of its infrastructure investment directly benefits lower-income households.

Vos said the focus remained on improving productivity, supporting businesses and creating more opportunities for people to work.

“Ultimately, it’s about making it easier to do business, improving productivity and creating more opportunities for people to work,” he said.

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