7821 job targets missed while unemployment soars in Gauteng

13 September 2023

Gauteng residents in desperate need of upskilling and employment opportunities are being let down by the Gauteng Department of Economic Development (GED), which has missed 7821 job targets.

The department had a target of creating 12 500 jobs through the township economy; however, only 4 679 (37.4%) were created, failing 7821 residents.

This information was revealed in the first quarterly report for GED for the 2023/2024 financial year.

In Gauteng, where over 2.6 million people are not working, it is of the utmost importance that the government starts creating an environment that will enable small businesses, particularly those operating in the townships, to generate employment opportunities.

According to the department, the delays in meeting the job creation targets are because of the delays in finalising the term sheet between delivery partners, which have negatively affected the funding for SMMEs as primary creators of job opportunities.

This red tape is hindering the private sector from investing in the province.

Since the Gauteng Township Economic Development Act (GTEDA) became law, very little progress has been seen in stimulating the township economy, evident by the targets not being met during the first quarter of 2023/2024.

The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Gauteng will continue to pressure GED to ensure that all job creation targets are met, particularly those focusing on the township economy.

Issued by Nicola Du Plessis, DA Gauteng Spokesperson for Economic Development, 13 September 2023