Developments:

The unemployment rate in Hlabisa (among those who consider themselves economically active) is 39 per cent. Education and literacy levels are respectable by developing world standards, but there are few opportunities for those emerging into the job market, with 53 per cent of 15-29 year olds unemployed. Unlike in some other African countries, there is very little subsistence farming here and only a weak informal sector to cushion those who cannot find work.