The Premier of KwaZulu-Natal, Nomusa Dube-Ncube, has attributed the marked increase in employment figures and the fall of the unemployment rate for Quarter 3 (Q3) of 2023 in the province to government’s targeted interventions, practical programmes and meaningful collaboration.

 

This follows the recent outcomes of Statistics South Africa’s Quarterly Labour Force Survey for Q3 where the province has shown significant improvement in employment numbers.

 

The data provides valuable insights into the current state of the labour market in the country, and is a welcome development on Q2 of 2023 in which the province also recorded growth.

“According to the latest Quarterly Labour Force Survey, KwaZulu-Natal has recorded the largest employment increase in Q3:2023. The unemployment rate has fallen by 1.6% in the Q3:2023. This is good news and the fruit of efforts of the entire Provincial Government working with business and other social partners to address unemployment. We remain committed to working together with labour, business and the local and international investment community to drive economic growth which is necessary to address unemployment and poverty,” said Premier Dube-Ncube.

 

Premier Dube-Ncube pointed to the S’thesha Waya-Waya stimulus initiative as just one of the programmes rolled out to create jobs through various entities of the state.

“Youth unemployment continues to be a concern. We will continue addressing this issue through targeted programs and policies that empower young people with skills and opportunities needed to enter the workforce. This includes the disbursement of the Youth Empowerment Fund through which we allocate R90 Million to youth-owned entities. Another R100 Million window of this Fund will open soon to benefit more youth-owned entities.

“We recently launched our Planting Season and through Operation Vula, we are opening economic opportunities to youth, women, military veterans and those with disabilities to take part in the economy. Through public private partnerships we have been able to create opportunities in various sectors including maritime and aviation sectors,” added Premier Dube-Ncube.

“Further, our drive is to penetrate the digital economy through the Broadband Rollout in the Province. The 4IR Commission is fast tracking the Provincial Connected Smart Province plan which aims to create more jobs for young people in the digital space”.

“We see the Quarterly Labour Survey as a reliable indicator to understand the dynamics of the labour market. We will continue to engage with StatsSA, labour, business and stakeholders especially the private sector to continue to contribute to initiatives aimed at improving employment prospects for all South Africans”.

Issued by Provincial Government