/ MEDIA STATEMENT / The content on this page is not written by Polity.org.za, but is supplied by third parties. This content does not constitute news reporting by Polity.org.za.

Today, the release by StatsSA of the unemployment figures places unemployment at 33.5%. It is not a statistic; it is a crisis and a shame. It embodies an attack on the dignity of our people and a destruction of their potential. 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've taken it upon ourselves to ensure that they become the priorities of the government agenda.

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.

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.

Cabinet Ministers and Deputy Ministers

• John Steenhuisen - Minister of Agriculture
• Siviwe Gwarube - Minister of Basic Education
• Dean Macpherson - Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure
• Dr Leon Schreiber - Minister of Home Affairs
• Dr Dion George - Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment
• Solly Malatsi - Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies
• Ashor Sarupen - Deputy Minister of Finance
• Samantha Graham-Maré - Deputy Minister of Energy and Electricity
• Jane Sithole - Deputy Minister of Small Business Development
• Dr Mimmy Gondwe - Deputy Minister of Higher Education
• Andrew Whitfield - Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition
• Sello Seitlholo - Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation

Issued by John Steenhuisen MP - Leader of the Democratic Alliance