With unemployment rate now at 33.5%, GNU under pressure to deliver on jobs promise

JOHANNESBURG - As the country’s unemployment rate ticks up yet again, pressure is mounting on the Government of National Unity (GNU) to deliver on promises to create jobs.

This after unemployment rose for a third consecutive time in the second quarter of the year to breach the 33% mark.

It’s now at 33.5% from 32.9% in the first quarter.

Eight-and-a-half million South Africans are now unemployed.

With millions of people locked out of the labour market, there are now growing concerns about restrictive labour laws and regulations.

ActionSA's parliamentary caucus leader, Athol Trollip, said these were the hallmarks of a mismanaged economy.

"So we urge the new government to pull up their socks and to do much better about growing the economy."

Policy office at the Free Market Foundation, Zakhele Mthembu, said barriers of entry into the country’s labour market need to be lowered.

"The solution to the jobs crisis is obvious to all except some in organised labour and affiliated members of government. The time has come, however, to look beyond their interests and deregulate the labour market in South Africa."

The Northern Cape recorded the highest increase in unemployment while the Eastern Cape remains the hardest hit.