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The Gauteng unemployment rate for the third quarter of 2023 stands at 2 557 000, which is equivalent to 33.7%. The unemployed residents of this province are struggling to make ends meet, which has been worsened by the high cost of living coupled with load-shedding and corruption, which is killing the economy.

This is a clear indication that the current government is failing to create a conducive environment for the private sector to invest and create employment opportunities.

There are 611 000 discouraged job seekers in the province who have lost hope in ever finding employment opportunities. In most cases, these discouraged job seekers have qualifications and skills, yet there are no tangible opportunities.

This happens despite Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi’s Nasi Ispani Programme continuing to recruit unemployed youth in various sectors. This shows that Lesufi’s job creation initiatives are not making any difference to the unemployment rate in the province.

It is high time that Lesufi replicates what the DA-led Western Cape government is doing by partnering with the private sector to create employment opportunities. For this to happen, Gauteng must cut the red tape, which will make it easy for the private sector to invest in the economy and do business with the government.

A DA government in 2024 will ensure that the red tape is cut to attract the private sector to invest in the province. We will also put realistic job creation targets in place for the Gauteng Department of Economic Development and ensure they are all achieved.

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