Employment prospects are improving in the South African retail sector, according to a new survey.

The South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry's (Sacci) latest employment expectations index rose to 57 in February, which is well above the 50-mark constituting growth.

The index figure, which increased by two per cent on January's total, has been in positive territory for four straight months - with particular gains in the wholesale and retail industries, Business Day reported.

In addition, the chamber discovered that optimism on present labor market opportunities are also improving, with a separate index reporting on current conditions registering a figure of 48.

Richard Downing, economist at Sacci, explained why pessimism is beginning to fade in the African country.

He told the newspaper: "In the aftermath of the World Cup there might still be some activity (locally) or the world economy may be doing better in the second half which may boost South Africa."

The 2010 World Cup begins in South Africa on June 11th.