The crisis of unemployment: A call to action

13 August 2024

Today, the release by StatsSA of the unemployment figures places unemployment at 33.5%. It is not a statistic; it is a crisis and a shame. It embodies an attack on the dignity of our people and a destruction of their potential. We need to overcome this challenge, and we are determined to do so.

The DA in the Government of National Unity will be firmly committed, over the next five years, to reducing unemployment and bringing back dignity to millions of South Africans without jobs or decent incomes. In every ministry we run, economic growth and job creation are at the core, and we've taken it upon ourselves to ensure that they become the priorities of the government agenda.

This uncertainty over the future of South Africa has damaged confidence in our economy and driven away investment that we so desperately need to generate growth and jobs. However, the GNU has brought stability and responsibility to government, and now provides a foundation for driving the policy reforms necessary to enable investment, growth, and jobs. The DA in the GNU will vigorously pursue the adoption and implementation of pro-growth, pro-jobs policies with the urgency our country requires.

We understand very well the pre-election concerns that plagued our country, but we are strong in our assurance and impetus with the GNU. A tough road lies ahead, but with a more united and dedicated government, we will return South Africa to its prosperity trajectory.

Together, the builders in the GNU, can defeat unemployment and reinstate dignity and potential to our people. The DA remains committed to this mission and we will continue to fight until every South African has the opportunity to work, earn, and live with dignity.

Cabinet Ministers and Deputy Ministers

John Steenhuisen - Minister of Agriculture
Siviwe Gwarube - Minister of Basic Education
Dean Macpherson - Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure
Dr Leon Schreiber - Minister of Home Affairs
Dr Dion George - Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment
Solly Malatsi - Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies
Ashor Sarupen - Deputy Minister of Finance
Samantha Graham-Maré - Deputy Minister of Energy and Electricity
Jane Sithole - Deputy Minister of Small Business Development
Dr Mimmy Gondwe - Deputy Minister of Higher Education
Andrew Whitfield - Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition
Sello Seitlholo - Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation

Issued by John Steenhuisen, Leader of the Democratic Alliance, 13 August 2024