The KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government has welcomed the latest Quarterly Labour Force Survey (QLFS) results released by Statistics South Africa, which confirm that KwaZulu-Natal is the only province in South Africa to record an increase in employment and job creation during the First Quarter of 2026.

The Provincial Government has also extended its appreciation to the Government of Provincial Unity Executive led by Premier Honourable Thamsanqa Ntuli for providing decisive leadership focused on economic recovery, investment promotion, service delivery, and sustainable job creation across the province.

While all other provinces experienced declines in employment and job losses, KwaZulu-Natal recorded the creation of more than 6 000 jobs, positioning the province as a leading contributor to economic resilience and employment growth in the country.

The latest labour market statistics come at a time when South Africa continues to face significant economic challenges, including high unemployment, slow economic growth, and rising pressures on households and businesses.

Commenting on the latest figures, Premier Ntuli said the positive performance reflects the impact of focused interventions implemented by the 7th Administration under the Government of Provincial Unity.
“These encouraging figures demonstrate that KwaZulu-Natal is steadily moving in the right direction. As a provincial government, we remain committed to creating an enabling environment for investment, economic growth, industrial expansion, tourism development, infrastructure rollout, and sustainable job creation.”

Premier Ntuli said the province has intensified efforts to position KwaZulu-Natal as an investment destination of choice through strategic partnerships with the private sector, infrastructure development programmes, support for small businesses, township and rural economies, agriculture, manufacturing, tourism, and the logistics sector.

The Premier further highlighted the importance of collaborative governance and partnerships between government, business, labour, and communities in driving inclusive economic growth.
“The progress we are witnessing is a result of collective effort and collaboration. We appreciate the confidence shown by investors, businesses, workers, and communities in the economic future of KwaZulu-Natal.”

The Provincial Government remains committed to accelerating programmes aimed at reducing unemployment, particularly among young people, women, and vulnerable groups through skills development initiatives, entrepreneurship support programmes, and targeted economic interventions.

KwaZulu-Natal continues to leverage strategic economic platforms such as the ports of Durban and Richards Bay, the tourism sector, agricultural expansion, manufacturing, and infrastructure investment to stimulate growth and employment opportunities across the province.

Premier Ntuli appreciates this significant shift but feels that more need to be done in making sure that more job opportunities are created for the majority of the people of this province. The Provincial Government will continue implementing bold and practical interventions aimed at ensuring that economic growth translates into meaningful opportunities and improved livelihoods for the people of KwaZulu-Natal.

ENDS

ISSUED BY KWAZULU-NATAL PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT