Call for action as jobs crisis escalates

GNU CRITICISED

- MASHUDU SADIKE

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

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 total number of employed people is 16.8 million.

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

However, this quarter has seen a net job loss of 291 000.

Major declines were recorded in trade, which went down by 194000 while construction declined by 119000 jobs.

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