The promise to create jobs is a lie

Most of the political parties contesting the elections have promised to create jobs. However, none of them have explained in detail how they are going to do that. Voters must take their word, I suppose. Is that how it’s supposed to be?

That said, let’s look at the facts regarding job creation in South Africa. Currently, unemployment is at its highest, with the youth most affected. Unemployment has been a challenge in our country for the past few years. And nothing suggests that things will improve any time soon.

In February this year, the new Minister of Finance, Tito Mboweni, raised concerns about the public services’ high wage bill. Mboweni went further and said it’s not sustainable. As things stand, the government has requested public servants between the ages of 55 and 65 to take voluntary packages. The government is essentially shedding jobs.

On the other hand, the private sector is also shedding jobs. Standard Bank has recently announced that it’s closing about 90 branches. Absa is also closing some of its branches. More companies are expected to follow suit.

In essence, both the public and private sectors are not creating jobs.

Instead, they are shedding jobs. This adds to the unemployment rate, which is already high. By the end of this year, more people will be joining the queue of the unemployed. This is not good news at all.

What the above essentially means is that the masses are on their own when it comes to job creation. To survive, they have to be self-reliant and create their own jobs. On the positive side, this gives them an opportunity to be their own bosses, and to no longer rely on government for survival.

The above exposes the political parties that are using the job creation ticket to garner votes for being economical with the truth.

They won’t create substantial jobs in the next five years. However, they cannot tell the voters that because they fear losing votes.

Cry, the beloved country.