Roy Jankielsohn, leader of the DA in the Free State, has strongly warned the province’s continued rise in unemployment will worsen the socio-economic situation. He expressed grave concern over the latest Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) Quarterly Labour Force Survey (QLFS), that revealed a significant spike in its year-on-year unemployment rate by the end of the first quarter of this year.
It revealed an increase of an additional 41 000 individuals, including matriculants of 2023 who could not further their education at tertiary institutions, and university graduates.
According to the survey, this province with a population of about 3 million has more people who are unemployed in South Africa.
“Of particular concern is the Free State’s persistent status as one of the provinces grappling with the highest official unemployment rates, hovering at 38%, making it the third-highest among South Africa’s provinces.
“The Free State has reached a critical point in its economic trajectory where urgent measures for growth and job creation are imperative.
“Moreover, the agricultural sector, a cornerstone of the Free State’s economy, remains pivotal for job creation and economic revitalisation.
“However, instead of fostering growth, this sector has been exploited for personal gain, as evidenced by projects like the Vrede Dairy Project and the Diyatalawa Agri Village, where hundreds of millions in taxpayer funds have been squandered without yielding any tangible benefits. Unfortunately, the current administration under the ANC has failed to provide the necessary stimulus for economic expansion,” said Jankielsohn.
Jankielsohn said the job crisis facing the province makes more people become vulnerable, adding people continue to bear the brunt of the inability of the Free State government spheres, municipalities included, to create investable environments and maintain job creation projects.
Statistics contradict Premier Mxolisi Dukwana, who indicated during his state of the province address (Sopa) in February that the Free State’s unemployment rate declined from 38,5% in the third quarter of 2023 to 37% in the fourth quarter, and that 1 680 jobs of 87 357 job opportunities were retained between April to December.
