The Quarterly Labour Force Survey, released today by Statistics South Africa, revealed that the Western Cape continues to hold the lowest official unemployment rate in South Africa at 20.9%.
The province also has the lowest expanded unemployment rate in the country, at 24.8%. The expanded figure includes those out of employment but who are not looking for a job.
Deidré Baartman, MPP says: “It is important to emphasise that the quarterly labour survey results reflect the situation prior to nationwide lockdown. However, the country was already in an economic recession at the time of the survey. We therefore have to acknowledge the fact that the Western Cape remained resilient in its efforts to save jobs and livelihoods.
Sound financial management has gone a long way in the Western Cape. Our neighbouring provinces all have almost double the rate of expanded unemployment we experienced.”
The DA-led provincial government has worked hard to remove barriers to small business development, invest in key job-creating industries such as agriculture, and promote skills development where we govern.
MPP Baartman adds: “During lockdown, the Western Cape’s Department of Finance and Economic Opportunities has partnered with the private sector, worked with other spheres of government, and created initiatives to help keep businesses afloat and adjusted to lockdown regulations. This has helped Cape Town become the most innovative city in Africa during the Covid-19 pandemic. Other examples include the JUMP mobile application and the resources available to guide businesses in the safe reopening of their doors as economic activities begin to gradually resume.
Still, we recognise that these are incredibly difficult times for the entire country, and the economic outlook may yet worsen. However, we will continue to support, as far as possible, bolstering employment and create the safest, most conducive conditions for business activities.”
The DA in the Western Cape will continue working hard to bring more investment and create more jobs in the Western Cape so that we can address poverty and unemployment and put a greater dent into the number of people who are still without work.
