Limpopo job crises deepens

SEKHUKHUNE

The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Limpopo is calling on Premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba and her provincial administration to take immediate action to address the structural barriers to economic growth and job creation in the province.

The political party’s call follows the release of the latest Quarterly Labour Force Survey Stats SA report for the first quarter of 2025, which indicates that Limpopo lost a staggering 55,000 jobs between the fourth quarter of 2024 and the first quarter of 2025. This accounts for nearly 20% of the jobs lost nationally.

The survey indicates that unemployment rate reaches alarming levels with the provincial expanded unemployment rate in Limpopo stands at an astounding 48.6%, which is the third highest in the country.

This includes those citizens of Limpopo who have lost all hope of finding work. The statistics revealed that nearly one in every two working-age people in Limpopo is now unemployed or discouraged. Only 36.5% of Limpopo’s working-age population are employed, which is well below the national average.

DA Limpopo Provincial Leader, Lindy Wilson, emphasized that these numbers are not just statistics, but a reflection of the lived reality of many Limpopo residents, particularly young people, who are being left behind in an economy that is failing them.

“The impact of bad municipal governance, the collapse of municipal infrastructure and service delivery, and the lack of political will by the ANC-led provincial government to intervene, has clearly increased the provincial misery,” she said.

Wilson said the DA is calling on the provincial administration to successfully roll-out infrastructure projects, maintain existing infrastructure, and drive economic growth and diversification.

“The failure of LEDET and LEDA to achieve these goals has contributed to the province’s economic woes. The DA has joined the GNU to fight for economic growth and job creation, and for the bold reforms needed to reverse the growing catastrophe,” explained Wilson.

The Provincial Leader said the DA believes that unlocking the barriers to investment and growth, such as job, labour, and economic regulations that protect narrow interests at the expense of all South Africans, is crucial to addressing the jobs crisis.

“A job is more than a source of income; it provides hope for the future, security, and dignity. Better and more responsible governance in Limpopo is also essential to reversing the trend,” concluded Wilson.