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Message: [QUOTE="Munyaradzi Mafaro, post: 46363, member: 636"] South African workers earned less money for the third month straight during May 2025. BankservAfrica released data showing average take-home pay fell to R17,296 last month. The amount dropped 1.3 percent from April when workers received R17,532. Economists blame slow economic growth and global tensions for the decline. About 3.8 million salary earners across the country faced reduced income. Workers still earn more compared to May 2024 when average pay reached only R15,903. The economy stalled during the first quarter of 2025 as Middle East conflicts created uncertainty worldwide. Companies and families delayed spending decisions because of lower confidence levels. Independent economist Elize Kruger said volatile conditions make 2025 challenging for workers. Investment plans remain on hold as global economic prospects weaken. Oil prices jumped after conflicts intensified between Iran and other nations. Brent crude oil reached $78 per barrel before falling back under $70. Fuel costs at gas stations show daily shortfalls of 50 cents per liter for petrol and 80 cents for diesel. Experts predict petrol prices will rise R1.00 per liter and diesel will increase R1.30 per liter during July. Additional increases may follow in August. Employment numbers reveal serious problems across South Africa. The country lost 74,000 formal jobs during the first quarter of 2025. Total employment dropped from 10.65 million workers in December 2024 to 10.58 million by March. Unemployment reached 32.9 percent as 291,000 people lost work opportunities. Government officials must address structural reforms in energy and transportation sectors. [/QUOTE]

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