Economic development committee demands real job creation from government and private sector
With more than 60% of young South Africans locked out of work, families are sliding deeper into poverty while the economy fails to create real jobs.
The latest unemployment figures should concern every South African, irrespective of political affiliation, select committee on economic development and trade chairperson Sonja Boshoff said.
When more than 60% of young people between 15 and 24 are looking for work but cannot find it, the country has moved beyond a statistical problem into a national economic crisis.
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She agreed with the Congress of South African Trade Unions that these levels of unemployment cannot be normalised. Boshoff asked why the economy is not creating enough jobs.
Businesses cannot grow when electricity is unreliable or unaffordable, manufacturers cannot compete when railways and ports fail, and investors hesitate when infrastructure deteriorates, crime and corruption raise costs, and red tape blocks entrepreneurs and small, micro, and medium-sized enterprises.
Municipalities must not become obstacles through failing water, electricity, roads, and basic services.
Public employment programmes can provide temporary relief and work experience, but they cannot replace a growing economy and sustainable private-sector jobs.
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The goal, she said, must be an economy where a young South African can move from education into a real job, an entrepreneur can start a business without fighting government at every turn, and existing businesses have reason to expand and employ more people.
This requires urgent structural reform, investment in infrastructure, reliable energy, functioning ports and rail, safer communities, accountable government, and a determined effort to make South Africa an attractive place to invest and create jobs.
Boshoff shared the view that unemployment is a ticking time bomb.
To defuse it, government spending cannot remain the primary engine of employment.
The focus must shift to creating the conditions in which the economy itself can grow and produce more employers.
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