GRAAFF-REINET – The Democratic Alliance (DA) will take its JobsConnectEC campaign to Graaff-Reinet on 12 March as part of its ongoing effort to connect Eastern Cape job seekers with practical tools, training, and real employment opportunities.
According to Dr Vicky Knoetze, DA Leader of the Official Opposition in the Eastern Cape Legislature, JobsConnectEC, a DA-driven initiative, was launched in 2025 in Gqeberha as a community-focused programme aimed at addressing the province’s severe unemployment crisis by offering hands-on support to residents who are actively seeking work.
She said that the Eastern Cape continues to face the highest unemployment levels in South Africa, with the latest quarterly labour force survey showing that there are more people looking for work than employed in the province.
“In rural areas like Graaff-Reinet, roughly three out of five people, particularly young people, remain locked out of the economy despite having the willingness and potential to work,” said Knoetze.
She said that JobsConnectEC is designed to bridge the gap between job seekers and opportunity.
Knoetze said that at the Graaff-Reinet event participants will receive guidance on compiling professional CVs, registering their skills, and preparing for interviews.
They will also be able to access information about available training opportunities and job search resources.
“A key component of the initiative is ensuring that job seekers leave with practical next steps rather than empty promises,” said Knoetze.
She said that by bringing JobsConnectEC directly into communities such as Graaff-Reinet, they aim to ensure that smaller towns are not excluded from employment initiatives and that residents outside major urban centres also gain access to support and opportunities.
“Through these engagements, the programme is building a growing skills database and strengthening partnerships with businesses, training institutions, and youth employment services,” said Knoetze.
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