Parties demand action as crisis escalates

SOUTH Africa's unemployment rate has reached a staggering 32.9%, with 8.2 million people officially unemployed and 3.5m discouraged work-seekers.

- MASHUDU SADIKE

The latest Quarterly Labour Force Survey (QLFS) has sparked outrage among political parties, who are demanding action from the government to address the crisis.

According to the report, the number of employed persons is 16.8 m

The three industries that employ the most people are trade, employing 3.2m, community and social services with 3.9m, and finance (3m people).

However, this quarter has seen a net job loss of 291 000. Major declines were recorded in trade (down 194000), while construction lost 119000 jobs.

The uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) said it was not surprised by the rising unemployment rate.

"This is another indicator of the rapid economic and social collapse under the Government of National Unity (GNU)," MKP spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela said.

He said the crisis was a indictment on the government.