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Re-examining the South African labour force surveys

Author

Listed:
  • Derek Yu

    (Department of Economics, University of the Western Cape)

Abstract

Since the advent of democracy, Statistics South Africa (StatsSA) has been collecting comprehensive labour market data with the October Household Survey (1995-1999), Labour Force Survey (2000-2007) and Quarterly Labour Force Survey (2008 – ). In addition, the Census and other surveys have also been capturing some labour market data. In August 2025, StatsSA announced that the revamped Quarterly Labour Force Survey would be launched in the third quarter of the year, with various changes to define and derive some labour market status variables differently. This study is timely by aiming to provide further suggestions on possible changes that can still be made to the Quarterly Labour Force Survey questionnaire so as to capture labour market information even better.

Suggested Citation

  • Derek Yu, 2025. "Re-examining the South African labour force surveys," Working Papers 05/2025, Stellenbosch University, Department of Economics.
    • Handle: RePEc:sza:wpaper:wpapers390
    as

    Download full text from publisher

    File URL: https://www.ekon.sun.ac.za/wpapers/2025/wp052025/wp052025.pdf
    File Function: First version, 2025
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Andrew Kerr, 2017. "Tax(i)ing the Poor? Commuting Costs in South African Cities," South African Journal of Economics, Economic Society of South Africa, vol. 85(3), pages 321-340, September.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • C80 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Data Collection and Data Estimation Methodology; Computer Programs - - - General
    • J00 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - General - - - General

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