#QLFS: Western Cape Accounts for Nearly 40.3% of South Africa's New Jobs Created

15 August 2023

The Quarterly Labour Force Survey (QLFS) for Quarter 2 of 2023 that was released today, is a testament to the standout economic resilience and growth in the Western Cape – which is cementing its role as a key employment generator in South Africa. Recent data reveals an impressive 40.3% of the country's new jobs created over the last year were created within this province alone.

This achievement is underscored by the province's 14% contribution to the national GDP, fuelled by sectors like tourism, finance, and technology. While this job concentration brings its challenges, such as infrastructural demands and equitable distribution, the province's commitment to inclusive growth remains resolute.

The QLFS showcases Western Cape's astounding job growth and economic resilience. With 368 000 jobs added in the past year – a 15.7% increase – the province emerges as a leader in employment creation. 912 000 new jobs were created across 6 provinces in the past year, with the remaining 3 losing jobs to give a net total of 784 000 jobs added in South Africa.

Remarkably, Western Cape's expanded unemployment rate is the lowest in the country at 25.3%, 16.8 percentage points below the national average. The province's pro-business policies stand in stark contrast to centralized approaches, as evident by a 54 000 job addition in the last quarter alone, outperforming both Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal.

The construction sector excels, adding 74 000 jobs in the last quarter, a 43.9% increase. This synergy of public-private investments solidifies Western Cape's position as a labour market driver, contributing to 16.6% of national employment.

The DA-led Western Cape is the pinnacle for job opportunities and economic growth, a testament to effective policy frameworks propelling progress and prosperity. We will continue to take it from strength to strength through the implementation of the Growth For Jobs Strategy which aims to create a R1 trillion Western Cape economy that is growing by up to 6% annually by 2035.

Issued by Cayla Murray, DA Western Cape Spokesperson on Finance, Economic Opportunities and Tourism, 15 August 2023