WC Finance MEC says province's economy thriving post COVID-19

CAPE TOWN - Western Cape Finance MEC Deidré Baartman says the province's economy continues to thrive post the COVID-19 pandemic.
 
Baartman tabled the province's budget for 2025/26 in the Western Cape Provincial Parliament on Thursday.
 
Baartman said by the end of 2024, employment had grown by 12.4%.

She said this was led by gains made in the finance, community services, and construction sectors.
 
The MEC added that the province's unemployment rate stands at 19.6%, which is the lowest in the country.
 
"In the 4th quarter of 2024, the provincial economy expanded by 0.8% driven by agriculture at 17.5%, the finance and trade sectors both at 1.2% each, while utilities and manufacturing contracted."
 
Baartman said tourism has also staged a full recovery.
 
"International arrivals at Cape Town International Airport rose by 8.9% in 2024 compared to 2019, of which 57.2% can be attributed to arrivals from the United States."