In 2023, water passenger transport employment in South Africa stood at 0.811 thousand jobs. The sector has experienced significant fluctuations over the years, with notable year-on-year variations. Recently, the employment dropped by 10.68% from 2022 to 2023, continuing a declining trend observed since 2017's peak of 4.54 thousand jobs. From 2018 to 2023, the Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) was -21.5%, indicating a persistent downward trajectory.
Looking forward, forecasted data from 2024 to 2028 shows a continual decline. By 2028, employment is expected to be reduced by over 50% compared to 2023, with an average annual decline (CAGR) of -13.14%. Key future trends to monitor include technological advancements, environmental regulations, and the expansion of alternative transport modes, which may further impact employment in this sector.