Unemployment in the Free State is on the rise and the ANC seems to have no political will to address the growing problem.
According to the results of Stats SA quarterly labour force survey, which was released on Tuesday, 31 July 2018, the Free State’s unemployment rate increased with 1.6% over the last two quarters. It is the highest rate of all the provinces.
Unemployment in the province increased from 32.8% in the first quarter this year to 34.4% in the second quarter and the available job opportunities decreased by 26 000.
The blame for the increase in unemployment can be squarely placed on the shoulders of the ANC government in the province as there exists uncertainty due to their mismanagement and the party’s statements create an unfavourable environment for job creation.
Just in the Free State agricultural sector alone, job opportunities decreased with 22.3%. Rash and reckless statements about land expropriation without compensation for cheap political gain as well as the utter lack of support and proper management of the sector all contribute to the unfavourable environment.
The Free State government, under the leadership of Premier Sisi Ntombela, should have job creation as its first priority. Cheap politicking for own and political gain as well as other misguided priorities must go.
Read the original article in Afrikaans on FF Plus
South Africa Today – South Africa News
