By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
12 November 2025- The African National Congress (ANC) said it welcomes the encouraging news released by Statistics South Africa showing a significant and broad-based improvement in the employment landscape. The party said the official unemployment rate has declined by 1.3% to 31.9%, while the expanded definition has dropped by 0.6% to 42.4% in the third quarter of 2025.
The ANC national spokesperson, Mahlengi Bhengu said this progress reflects the tangible impact of coordinated economic interventions and the ANC’s 10-Point Plan to grow the economy, create jobs, and restore hope among its people. Bhengu said more than 248 000 new jobs were created during the quarter, bringing total employment to over 17.1 million South Africans, the highest level since before the COVID-19 pandemic.
She further said the number of unemployed persons decreased by 360 000, confirming that the country is steadily shifting from despair to renewal.
Bhengu added that this positive momentum underscores that their collective efforts to rebuild the economy, stabilise energy supply and accelerate infrastructure investment are beginning to bear fruit.
“The ANC is encouraged that the state’s strategic support for key sectors, including manufacturing, construction, agriculture and tourism, is helping to reignite economic activity and expand opportunities for ordinary South Africans. However, while we celebrate this progress, the ANC remains concerned that far too many of our people are still without work.
“The fight against unemployment remains our foremost priority. The ANC calls on government, labour and business to deepen collaboration in unlocking industrial investment, supporting small and medium enterprises, and ensuring that every public rand spent contributes to productive and inclusive growth,” said Bhengu.
She said as they enter the festive season, the ANC urges employers, particularly in retail, hospitality, logistics and agriculture, to build on this progress by protecting and expanding jobs, ensuring decent working conditions and paying workers on time. Bhengu said the movement’s vision remains rooted in building an economy that works for all, where young people, women and rural communities are fully part of South Africa’s growth story.
“The ANC’s 10-Point Economic Plan, focusing on energy security, water provision, infrastructure rollout, industrialisation, and employment creation, continues to guide the Government of National Unity’s actions. This progress signals that South Africa is indeed turning the corner towards a period of stability, renewal, and inclusive growth. The ANC salutes all South Africans, workers, entrepreneurs and communities, whose resilience and hard work are driving this recovery,” she said.
Bhengu said together, they are rebuilding our economy, restoring dignity, and realising the promise of a better life for all.
The Guardian 