The Eastern Cape Provincial Government is celebrating a major milestone – a substantial increase in employment rates in the third quarter of 2024. According to the latest data from Statistics South Africa, approximately 83,000 people were hired, resulting in an impressive 3.8% decrease in unemployment.
Premier Lubabalo Oscar Mabuyane expressed his enthusiasm for this upward trend, stating that it’s a crucial step towards building a prosperous Eastern Cape.
“We remain dedicated to creating an environment that fosters business growth and provides our citizens with access to decent employment opportunities.”
Key Factors Contributing to the Increase:
Targeted Job Creation Initiatives: Strategic programs aimed at creating employment opportunities
Skills Development Programs: Enhancing the workforce’s skills to meet industry demands
Support for Small Businesses: Empowering entrepreneurs to drive economic growth
The government plans to sustain this momentum by investing in critical infrastructure projects and strengthening partnerships with private sector stakeholders and local communities.
This positive trend is a welcome change from the province’s previous unemployment rates, which were above the national level ¹. With continued efforts to stimulate economic growth, the Eastern Cape Province is poised for a brighter future.