President Cyril Ramaphosa has declared employment as government’s most pressing matter, saying South Africa must translate recent economic gains into sustainable livelihoods for millions of unemployed citizens.
Speaking at the On the Record Summit at the Cape Town International Convention Centre on Thursday, Ramaphosa said the country’s single greatest challenge is converting positive economic momentum into jobs.
“A job is more than just an income. It is about dignity, about confidence, about a sense of belonging and an ability to contribute to our community and our society,” he said.
The President noted that after years of stagnation, economic growth is improving, investment is expanding and more jobs are being created. He attributed the turnaround to government’s sustained, multi-year reform implementation, particularly at Eskom and Transnet.
“By implementing far-reaching reforms to our electricity sector, we have brought an end to load shedding and are creating an environment for businesses to invest and grow,” Ramaphosa said.
He added that rail system and port performance is improving, enabling increased exports and revenues.
Operation Vulindlela, a joint initiative of the Presidency and National Treasury, has accelerated structural reform implementation by focusing on key priorities with the greatest impact.
Ramaphosa acknowledged that changes South Africans want to see have not yet materialised, but said the country is now on the right track.
Government is expanding support for the unemployed, including redesigning the Social Relief of Distress Grant to ensure recipients have access to support for job searches and sustaining a livelihood.
The Presidential Employment Stimulus has created more than 2,5 million opportunities in public and social employment over the past five years, placing school assistants in thousands of schools, supporting river and wetland restoration, and helping community organisations fight gender-based violence.
“These examples show that there is no shortage of work to be done – only a shortage of jobs,” the President said.
Youth employment remains a central pillar of government’s strategy. More than five million young people are now registered on the SAYouth.mobi platform, which connects them to opportunities.
The Youth Employment Service has provided work experience opportunities to more than 220 000 young people through partnerships with business.
ALSO READ: EC unemployment hits 42.5%, nearly 80 000 jobs lost
Ramaphosa called on all companies to participate in the YES drive to enable more young people to take their first step into the work environment.
Government is also overhauling the SETA system to link training more closely to economic demand and reviewing legislation to reduce the administrative burden on small businesses.
The President said South Africa has the ingredients necessary to create jobs for the economy of the future, citing the country’s sophisticated financial sector, exceptional solar and wind resources, and thriving agricultural sector.
ALSO READ: Western Cape records lowest unemployment rate in South Africa
However, he noted that the country’s growth exists in the context of great instability in the global economy, with the Middle East conflict set to increase energy costs, disrupt supply chains and lower growth prospects.
“It is therefore essential that we proceed with urgency to drive the reform and transformation of our economy while identifying the measures we need to take to mitigate the effects of the conflict,” Ramaphosa said.
He called on business, labour, civil society, academics and citizens to work together to drive this work.
“It is by creating jobs that we will open the doors of opportunity to all, and build a society that is more equal, more stable and more united,” he concluded.
ALSO READ: Free State youth unemployment hits 69.4% for under 25s
