Speaker of Parliament tells BOSA the unemployment crisis is not urgent enough for debate

20 November 2024

The Speaker of the National Assembly, Ms. Thoko Didiza, has written to Build One South Africa (BOSA) and declined our formal request for a parliamentary debate on South Africa’s unemployment crisis, deeming the issue not urgent enough to warrant immediate attention. In our view this is an unfortunate decision that affects the 11 million jobless South Africans.

BOSA submitted its request under Rule 130 of the National Assembly Rules, highlighting the dire need for an urgent debate of public importance on the country's stubbornly high unemployment rate. This follows last week’s release of the Quarterly Labour Force Survey (QLFS) for Q3:2024, which revealed a long-term unemployment rate that has reached alarming levels.

The expanded unemployment rate now stands at 41.9%, reflecting a systemic failure by the current government to address joblessness. Over the past decade, the number of South Africans classified as long-term unemployed has nearly doubled, climbing from 3.4 million in 2014 to 6.1 million in 2024.

BOSA Leader Mmusi Maimane commented: "Unemployment, particularly among our youth, is a national emergency. The median age in South Africa is 28, and yet the unemployment rate among those aged 15-34 is higher than any other group. We are failing a generation of young people. Every young person who is not in school, university, or vocational training should have a job opportunity. Instead, we are creating a cycle of poverty that will take decades to undo if left unaddressed."

BOSA believes an urgent parliamentary debate could have provided a platform for Members of Parliament (MPs) to deliberate on actionable policies to tackle the root causes of unemployment and hold the government accountable for its responsibilities.

The consequences of long-term unemployment extend beyond individual hardship, perpetuating poverty and inequality that undermine South Africa's progress. Ignoring this crisis will only deepen the challenges faced by millions of citizens.

Issued by Roger Solomons, Spokesperson, BOSA, 20 November 2024