BusinessLive writes that galvanising business, labour and government into taking action against the country’s unemployment crisis has become a key task of all leaders when assuming office — and President Cyril Ramaphosa appears to be no different.
The most recent unemployment rate was 26.7% in the fourth quarter of 2017, with 5.9m unemployed and actively looking for jobs. In the expanded definition of unemployment among those aged 15 to 64, Statistics SA recorded 9.2m people. With 13 mentions in Ramaphosa’s state of the nation address (Sona) speech on Friday, jobs were integral to most proposals and undertakings announced by the president. He mentioned unemployment four times and employment six times. During his bid for the highest position in the ANC, Ramaphosa launched a "new deal" that would, among other initiatives, spur growth and place the creation of decent jobs at the centre of "every policy, programme and action". Trade unions have adamant that it was time the jobs crisis was put in the spotlight, blaming the rift between labour, business and the government under the Zuma administration for the lack of action. Ramaphosa cemented his popularity in the labour movement by backing the call for a jobs summit that would provide a platform for all stakeholders to engage and find the best possible solutions to boost job creation and protect existing jobs.
- Read this report by Theto Mahlakoana in full at BusinessLive
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