By Katlego Sekhu
South Africa’s unemployment rate rose to a new record high of 35.3% in the fourth quarter of 2021 from 34.9% in the third quarter because of job losses mainly in manufacturing and construction, according to the statistics agency.
Stats SA revealed that the unemployment totaled 7.921 million people in the October-December period, compared to the 7.643 million people in the previous three months.
The rate is the highest since the quarterly labour force survey began in 2008.
According to an expanded definition that includes those discouraged from seeking work, 46.2% of the labour force was without work in the fourth quarter, from 46.6% in the third quarter.
Job losses in the fourth quarter were concentrated in manufacturing, which lost 85 000 jobs, and construction which shed 25 000 jobs.
Kaya 959 listeners share their thoughts on unemployment in South Africa
Mafatshe says SA’s public problems begin and end with our current government.
“How can they masterfully manage our resources when they can’t manage Luthuli House’s resources?? Now they owe taxes in the millions. Their municipalities owe electricity and water yet residents are paying. They fail to run an airline profitably and seem hellbent on creating opportunities for corruption while they are in power.
“They made our borders porous to create the mess we find now – the illegal immigrants’ issue was programmed. The ANC government is sabotaging the people,” he shared.
Seleka says young people do not want to work. “I have opened up a car wash and fast food, hired 4 guys for the car wash and two girls for amakota and I hired young South Africans.
“They all quit their job without telling me about it. I provided them with food every day and drop them off if we were busy passed their knock-off time. Young people don’t want to work but they want money. I had to close my car wash and I’m handling fast food with my husband,” she shared.
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