QLFS: 360 000 more jobs in the Western Cape than in 2022

16 May 2023

According to the latest Quarterly Labour Force Survey released by Statistics South Africa this morning, 360 000 more jobs were created in the Western Cape in quarter 1 of 2023 than in the same quarter in 2022.

“Looking at the statistics released today, in essence 1 in 4 jobs created quarter-on-quarter, or 24%, were in the Western Cape. It is also particularly telling that the expanded unemployment rate in the Western Cape, at 25.9%, is almost half of the national unemployment rate, at 42.4%. Put another way, the expanded unemployment rate in the Western Cape is 16.5 percentage points lower than the national rate.” said Premier Alan Winde.

“The Western Cape continues to lead the way in creating an enabling environment for job creation. We must and will continue doing all that is possible to create more jobs and reduce red tape. More jobs mean more hope. And hope is desperately needed as we continue to endure severe blackouts. We as Western Cape Government are working hard to keep creating jobs along with the private sector.” Premier Winde said.

“Despite the good news for the province, the overall picture for South Africa is still very sobering and is worsening. The escalation in rolling blackouts and the poor economic climate will hamper any attempts to change the current jobs’ trajectory,” added Premier Winde.

“I warmly welcome the confirmation that the Western Cape created 360 000 more jobs compared to the same quarter in 2022. This is an increase of 15.7% year-on-year - the highest percentage increase in employment in South Africa.” Said Minister of Finance and Economic Opportunities, Mireille Wenger.

Quarter-on-quarter, 62 000 jobs were created in the Western Cape.

The unemployment rate in the province also decreased, on both the official and expanded definitions.

The official unemployment rate in the Western Cape decreased from 25.2% in quarter 1 of 2022 to 21.6% in quarter 1 of 2023. The expanded unemployment rate in the Western Cape also decreased from 29.0% in quarter 1 of 2022 to 25.9% in quarter 1 of 2023.

“We are working hard to get the fundamentals of economic growth right and to ensure a jobs-rich economy. Jobs provide dignity and have the power to combat poverty. Which is why we will continue to do everything in our power to enable private sector-led growth, which includes removing key barriers to business expansion, so that the private sector can continue creating even more jobs in the province” concluded Minister Wenger.

Issued by Regan Thaw, Media Liaison Officer, Office of the Premier, 16 May 2023