By REGINALD KANYANE
12 November 2024- The ANC said it welcomes the positive employment outcomes highlighted in the Quarterly Labour Force Survey (QLFS) for the third quarter of 2024, released by Statistics South Africa. The report demonstrated the significant strides in job creation and economic stabilisation, which are testament to the ANC’s ongoing economic transformation initiatives as intended in our 2024 election manifesto.
The ANC national spokesperson, Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri said according to the QLFS, the number of employed South Africans rose by 294 000, while unemployment decreased by 373 000. Bhengu-Motsiri said this progress has led to a notable 1.4% reduction in the official unemployment rate, now standing at 32.1%.
“These milestones underscore the ANC’s commitment to economic transformation and poverty alleviation, as we work towards a non-racial, prosperous South Africa that reflects our enduring values.
“The ANC is particularly encouraged by the substantial employment growth in Community and Social Services (+194,000), Construction (+176,000), and Trade (+109,000),” she said.
Bhengu-Motsiri further said these sectors are vital to communities, directly impacting on people’s lives in alignment with their manifesto commitments to foster job creation and support essential services. She added that their focus on infrastructure revitalisation, community-led projects, and social service enhancement is yielding tangible results for South Africans.
“Nonetheless, the ANC remains vigilant to challenges such as employment declines in the Finance and Private Household sectors and persistently high youth unemployment.
“Our vision extends beyond immediate gains. We are dedicated to sustainable growth and addressing labour market inequalities. We emphasise the need for continuous skills development, particularly for youth, women, disabled and other historically marginalised groups,” said Bhengu-Motsiri.
She said the QLFS findings affirms the ANC commitment to implementing national conference resolutions that prioritise economic growth through job creation, poverty reduction, and increased participation of the African majority, especially youth and women in the economy.
Bhengu-Motsiri said these advancements mark a concrete realisation of the ANC economic transformation agenda, aiming to establish a resilient economy that supports job creation and improves the quality of life for all South Africans.
“As we build on these accomplishments, we remain resilient in our mission to create a South Africa, where every citizen can achieve dignified employment. We call on all South Africans to support our efforts in advancing economic growth and fostering opportunities for all as outlined in our election manifesto.
“The ANC recognises that much work remains to be done to uplift the nation, but we are committed to growing employment through quality opportunities for the African majority in general, and youth and women in particular,” she said.
Bhengu-Motsiri said this effort is part of their holistic approach to economic transformation and reflects the belief that South Africa’s best days are still ahead. She said the people shall share in the country’s wealth.
The Guardian 