NEDLAC Summit: SA's unemployment crisis and rising cost of living tops agenda

JOHANNESBURG - Employment and Labour Minister Nomakhosazana Meth says the staggering unemployment and rising cost of living are top of the agenda for the Government of National Unity (GNU). 

Meth is among delegates at the National Economic Development and Labour Council's (NEDLAC) summit which was underway on Friday, in Sandton where government and business leaders were expected to talk shop on the country’s economic and labour policy. 

The unemployment rate rose for a third consecutive time in the second quarter of the year, putting it at 33.5%.

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

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

Meth said the government was finalising the medium-term development plan to address the unemployment crisis and other issues. 

"Government is in a process of finalising the Medium-Term Development Plan (MTDP) 2024/2029 and through this plan, clear objectives and a roadmap to achieve the priorities will be articulated," said Meth.

While she admitted that there were complexities in changing labour market policy to enable economic growth and job creation, Meth said a coordinated response by the private and public sectors would yield results.