The 648 000 new jobs produced in the second quarter (Q2) of this year is excellent news, especially since it is accompanied by a decline in the official unemployment rate.
The official unemployment rate declined from 34.5% in Q1 to 33.9% in Q2 as announced by Stats SA. This is to be welcomed in our challenged economy where unemployment numbers hit an all-time high of 35.3% in Q4 of 2021. Despite the downward trend the number of unemployed people, especially the youth, remains too high.
According to the QLFS some employment gains were seen in community and social services (+276 000), trade (+169 000), finance (+128 000) and construction (+104 000).
The post-Covid period has been difficult for most South Africans as economic challenges aligned with the rising cost of living continue unabatedly. Among those who cannot find employment, many have lost hope of ever finding employment again.
We can only but hope that the decreasing unemployment numbers will continue for the foreseeable future. South Africans cannot grow and prosper without jobs while unemployed and without income.
UASA encourages all job seekers not to give up on finding employment or pursuing other opportunities.
Statement by Abigail Moyo, spokesperson of the trade union UASA
