Expert calls for collaboration to tackle KZN's rising unemployment

IN THE wake of alarming unemployment rates in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), labour expert Michael Bagraim has advocated for the provincial government to reach out to other provinces to devise effective strategies for job creation.

- SIPHO JACK

His remarks come as statistics reveal a concerning 2.4 percentage point rise in KZN's unemployment rate, contributing to an increase in the broader national figure.

Bagraim, reflecting on KZN’s ongoing struggles to formulate a robust employment strategy, noted that previous attempts have failed to yield meaningful results.

"The provincial government should reach out to other provinces in trying to formulate a proper way forward," he stated.

He emphasised the success of the Western Cape, where tailored plans, developed through collaboration with the business community, have successfully reduced unemployment to 19% half the national average.