- Job Growth in Eastern Cape: The Eastern Cape experienced a significant increase of 89,000 jobs in the second quarter of 2025, primarily driven by growth in the trade and construction sectors.
- Drivers of Employment Increase: The ANC credits government initiatives, infrastructure development, and sector-specific investments as key factors behind the surge in employment, especially in areas like infrastructure and manufacturing.
- Potential Impact of US Tariffs: The ANC warns that a 30% tariff increase by the US on South African exports could harm industries such as automotive, agriculture, and citrus farming, risking jobs in sectors like Goodyear SA and Mercedes-Benz.
The African National Congress (ANC) in the Eastern Cape has welcomed a major increase in employment in the province, based on the latest data from Statistics South Africa’s Quarterly Labour Force Survey (QLFS) for the second quarter of 2025.
According to the report, the province added 89,000 new jobs, with the trade and construction sectors showing the strongest growth. The ANC says this shows the positive impact of both public and private sector investment, particularly in infrastructure and manufacturing.
The ANC credited government-led employment programmes, infrastructure projects, and targeted sector development as key drivers of job creation. It urged continued investment in high-potential areas such as the ocean economy, tourism, and agriculture.
While celebrating the positive jobs data, the ANC also raised alarm over the United States’ 30% tariff increase on South African exports, warning that it could hurt industries such as automotive manufacturing, agriculture, and citrus farming.
The concern comes as 900 jobs are already at risk at Goodyear SA in Kariega, alongside the temporary halt of vehicle production at Mercedes-Benz.
The ANC believes the tariff hike is linked to South Africa’s foreign policy stance, particularly its support for Palestine and its advocacy for peaceful conflict resolution in Africa and beyond. It described the move as part of a broader trend of right-wing politics in the US, which South Africa should resist.
The party welcomed measures by the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC) to protect jobs, maintain US market access, and diversify exports to Africa, the EU, Asia, Latin America, and BRICS nations.
It urged faster industrialisation, more value-added processing of natural resources, and stronger regional trade integration to reduce reliance on US markets and shield the local economy from external shocks.
