The DA has described Tuesday’s increase in unemployment rate a crisis.
This comes after StatsSA released the latest figures for the second quarter of 2024 which indicates that the country’s unemployment rate had worsened by 0.6 percentage point to 33.5% in the second quarter, from 32.9% in the first quarter.
Responding to the latest figures, DA leader, John Steenhuisen said this is not a statistic but a crisis and a shame as it embodies an attack on the dignity of our people and a destruction of their potential.
Steenhuisen said it can’t be business as usual as things continue to worsen, adding that the DA as one part of the Government of National Unity (GNU) is determined to change the current situation which has seen the expanded unemployment rate, which includes discouraged job seekers has also worsened by 0.7 percentage point to 42.6%.
"We need to overcome this challenge, and we are determined to do so. The DA in the Government of National Unity will be firmly committed, over the next five years, to reducing unemployment and bringing back dignity to millions of South Africans without jobs or decent incomes.
“In every ministry we run, economic growth and job creation are at the core, and we have taken it upon ourselves to ensure that they become the priorities of the government agenda,” said Steenhuisen on Tuesday.
The latest Quarter Labour Force Survey shows a decrease of 92 000 in the number of employed persons to 16.7 million and an increase of 158 000 in the number of unemployed persons to 8.4 million in the second quarter.
The rate of discouraged workers, according to the latest figures increased by 174 000, while those who are economically active for reasons other than discouragement decreased by 75 090 between the first and second quarters of 2024.
According to the DA this is a serious threat to the country’s future, which needs to be addressed immediately.
“This uncertainty over the future of South Africa has damaged confidence in our economy and driven away investment that we so desperately need to generate growth and jobs.
“However, the GNU has brought stability and responsibility to government, and now provides a foundation for driving the policy reforms necessary to enable investment, growth, and jobs. The DA in the GNU will vigorously pursue the adoption and implementation of pro-growth, pro-jobs policies with the urgency our country requires,” he said.
As such, Steenhuisen said the collective effort of government will be able to quell some of the fears that are as a result of the pre-elections.
“We understand very well the pre-election concerns that plagued our country, but we are strong in our assurance and impetus with the GNU. A tough road lies ahead, but with a more united and dedicated government, we will return South Africa to its prosperity trajectory.
“Together, the builders in the GNU, can defeat unemployment and reinstate dignity and potential to our people. The DA remains committed to this mission and we will continue to fight until every South African has the opportunity to work, earn, and live with dignity,” he said.
The Star