KWAZULU-NATAL – KwaZulu-Natal Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube has credited the notable rise in employment figures and the decrease in unemployment rates in the province to the government’s focused initiatives and collaborations. This acknowledgment follows the recent release of Statistics South Africa’s (StatsSA) Quarterly Labour Force Survey (QLFS) data, which reported significant improvements in the province’s employment numbers for the third quarter of 2023.

According to South African Government News Agency, KwaZulu-Natal achieved the largest employment increase among South African provinces, with the unemployment rate dropping by 1.6% in the third quarter of 2023. The survey indicated that the number of employed persons grew in eight provinces between the second and third quarters of 2023, with KwaZulu-Natal leading the way with an increase of 152,000 jobs, followed by Limpopo, North West, and Mpumalanga.

Dube-Ncube highlighted the results as a reflection of the concerted efforts of the provincial government, businesses, and other social partners in tackling unemployment. She reaffirmed the commitment to continued collaboration with labor, business, and both local and international investors to foster economic growth, which is vital to reducing unemployment and poverty.

The Premier emphasized the success of initiatives like the S’thesha Waya-Waya stimulus program in creating jobs through state entities. She also noted the ongoing concern of youth unemployment and the province’s dedication to addressing this issue through targeted programs and policies. These include the Youth Empowerment Fund, which allocates R90 million to youth-owned entities, with an additional R100 million funding window opening soon.

The recent launch of the Planting Season and Operation Vula initiatives were also mentioned as efforts to open economic opportunities for youth, women, military veterans, and individuals with disabilities. Dube-Ncube also pointed out the role of public-private partnerships in creating opportunities in various sectors, including maritime and aviation.

The Premier further underscored the provincial government’s focus on the digital economy, facilitated by the Broadband Rollout in KwaZulu-Natal. The 4IR Commission is advancing the Provincial Connected Smart Province plan, aiming to create more job opportunities for young people in the digital space.

Dube-Ncube recognized the Quarterly Labour Survey as a crucial tool for understanding labor market dynamics and expressed the province’s intent to continue collaborating with StatsSA, labor, business, and stakeholders, particularly the private sector, to enhance employment prospects for all South Africans.