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The official unemployment rate in Gauteng in the third quarter of 2024 worsened to 34.0% year on year. Much needs to be done to decrease the unemployment rate in the province.

According to the Quarterly Labour Force Survey (QLFS) released today for the third quarter of 2024, there are currently 2 593 000 unemployed residents in Gauteng, while there are 572 000 discouraged job seekers in the province.

Premier Panyaza Lesufi’s flagship employment programme Nasi Ispani is not making a dent in the current unemployment rate and, in some cases, only offers a short reprieve from unemployment.

The report shows that 66000 jobs were lost in the quarter. More needs to be done to boost investor confidence to grow the economy.

This can only be done if the Gauteng Provincial Government under Lesufi’s leadership takes heed of those matters potential investors complain about, such as crime and unreliable infrastructure. To resolve crime, he must pull in the national government to radically institute proper law and order. To improve infrastructure, he must improve government performance in the province. He can start by clamping down on corruption by ensuring that when forensic investigations are undertaken, the findings are made public, and the recommendations are implemented.

Furthermore, adequate protection must be given to whistleblowers who come forward with potential cases of corruption in government departments.

Furthermore, the provincial government should consider using grant funding to host investment summits targeted at the motor industry, tourism sector and business process outsourcing. There is also great appetite for investment in the property sector. Government should engage with the property sector on issues they are facing, which if addressed, will unlock investment. This will greatly stimulate the construction sector that has suffered badly over the last two decades.

A DA government will immediately clamp down on corruption by making all forensic investigations public and implementing all the recommendations. Whistleblowers will be provided with proper protection. Crime and improved service delivery will be intensely prioritised. By so doing investor confidence will be boosted. Only then will there be more job opportunities for the residents of this province.

Issued by Mike Moriarty MPL - DA Gauteng Shadow MEC for Economic Development