Young South Africans protest against high unemployment, highlighting the ongoing struggle even as official figures show a slight decline. Picture Credit: The Informer
By Aisha Zardad
South Africa – The African National Congress has welcomed Statistics South Africa’s latest Quarterly Labour Force Survey, which reports a 0.5 percentage point drop in the country’s official unemployment rate.
Party spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu described the decrease as a “measurable improvement” and said it reflects the early results of sustained economic interventions.
“The decline in unemployment is not accidental,” Bhengu said. “It follows deliberate economic stabilisation measures, expanded infrastructure investment, and targeted employment programmes designed to stimulate inclusive growth.”
Bhengu highlighted that government-led initiatives to restore energy reliability, attract investment, and accelerate public infrastructure projects have helped create an environment conducive to job creation.
Targeted programmes supporting young people and women have also been key in boosting small businesses and local economic activity.
While acknowledging that the overall unemployment rate remains “unacceptably high” and youth unemployment continues to require urgent attention, Bhengu emphasised the importance of the recent improvement.
“This development demonstrates that coordinated economic reform, fiscal discipline, and growth-focused industrial policy can reverse negative trends,” she said.
The ANC emphasised that tackling unemployment remains a long-term, structural priority for the country.
“This progress strengthens our resolve to deepen industrialisation, expand skills development, promote localisation, and support labour-absorbing sectors of the economy. South Africa’s recovery is underway, and through sustained intervention and partnership with business, labour, and communities, we will continue to work toward a more inclusive economy that delivers dignity, opportunity, and work for all,” Bhengu concluded.
