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The Gauteng Department of Economic Development (GDED) continues to fail the residents of this province by not meeting its key targets, which is negatively impacting service delivery and job creation.

According to the department’s annual report for the 2022/23 financial year, they failed to meet the job creation target of 572 784 jobs, as only 3062 jobs were created through the various programmes. The department had a shortfall of 569 722, which is unacceptable and indicates its failure to create employment opportunities and a conducive environment for the private sector to invest in the Gauteng economy.

In addition, the Auditor General of South Africa (AGSA) noted that the department only achieved 47% of its planned target.

This is worrying, as the GDED is mandated to create jobs and stimulate economic growth in the province.

This department must start delivering on its core mandate, as there are currently over 2.6 million unemployed residents in this province.

The DA will continue to put pressure on this department to put realistic targets and measures in place to ensure that it achieves the goals set for the financial year.

Red tape is a key factor in preventing the private sector from investing in the province. The DA proposes that the Gauteng MEC for Economic Development, Tasneem Motara, should liaise with her counterpart in the Western Cape, which has the lowest levels of unemployment in South Africa, to learn how to cut the red tape that is hindering investment in the province.

A DA government in 2024 will have strong partnerships with the private sector in creating a business-friendly environment that will tap into the full potential of employment growth in the Gauteng Province.

Issued by Patrick Atkinson MPL - DA Gauteng Shadow MEC for Economic Development