JOB CRISIS GROWS

OPPOSITION parties have slammed the Government of National Unity (GNU) over South Africa’s unemployment crisis. 

Statistics SA announced on Tuesday that the jobless rate has reached a staggering 32.9%, with 8.2 million people officially unemployed and 3.5 million discouraged work-seekers. 

The latest Quarterly Labour Force Survey (QLFS) has sparked outrage among political parties, who are demanding action from the government to address the crisis.

According to the report, the total number of employed persons is 16.8 million. 

The three industries that employ the most people are trade, employing 3.2 million, community and social services with 3.9 million, and finance employs 3 million people.

However, this quarter has seen a net job loss of 291 000. Major declines were recorded in trade, which went down by 194 000 while construction declined by 119 000 jobs.

The uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) said it was not surprised by the rising unemployment rate.

Spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela said: “This is yet another indicator of the rapid economic and social collapse under the so-called Government of National Unity (GNU).

“This is a Frankenstein coalition stitched together to serve elite interests, not the people of South Africa…”

The EFF called for practical solutions to stimulate economic activity and ensure mass job creation. 

Even parties within the GNU weighed in on the matter.

GOOD party secretary-general Brett Herron said South Africa was not just facing an unemployment crisis but a crisis of dignity.