The African National Congress welcomes the release of the Quarterly Labour Survey by Statistics South Africa, which shows that 149,000 more people were employed during the fourth quarter of 2018. These statistics demonstrate the resilience of our economy and a positive momentum which must be supported by all industries.
While we are encouraged by this development, we remain concerned that the unemployment rate remains stubbornly high. The ANC’s commitment to a growing economy that not only create jobs, but enable sustainable livelihoods has never been greater.
Many interventions in the recent past aimed at placing our economy on a sound footing are bearing fruit. These include the coming onstream of the Gibela train manufacturing plant in Ekurhuleni launched by the President last year, which manufactures PRASA’s new commuter trains and will also manufacture commuter trains for the rest of the African continent. It is worth noting that manufacturing added 48,000 new jobs while mining added 31,000 new jobs to the economy.
This report demonstrates that our manifesto commitment to create 275,000 jobs each year by boosting local demand for goods, investing more in mining, manufacturing and agriculture is well on track, and we have reason to believe that this upward momentum will continue.
ISSUED BY THE AFRICAN NATIONAL CONGRESS
More information:
Zizi Kodwa
Acting National Spokesperson
082 330 4910
Dakota Legoete
Acting National Spokesperson
072 718 5955
Enquiries:
Mhlabunzima Memela
National Media Relations Manager
084 817 9116