Press Statement dated 30 October 2018
Statistician-General, Risenga Maluleka, on 30 October 2018 released the third quarter results on South Africa’s unemployment data for 2018. The statistics indicated a further rise in unemployment to a concerning 27.5%.
The Public Servants Association (PSA) regards the 0.3% increase from the previous quarter as a worrisome indication that the South Africa’s economy is in a poor state.
“In his announcement of the stimulus package, President Cyril Ramaphosa, committed to fill 2 200 critical medical post immediately. This is a step in the right direction but there hasn’t been any confirmation on when and how this will be actioned. At the Job Summit held by the President earlier this month, government promised to raise employment significantly by 2030. Government is the largest employer in the country and the PSA, that represents more than 240 000 public-sector employees, is concerned about how government will balance the pressure of growing the economy, with hints of possible job cuts in the ‘bloated’ public service, and reducing unemployment,” said PSA General Manager, Ivan Fredericks.
“The PSA acknowledges recent efforts by the President to lure more investments to the country in the hope of growing the economy and reducing the unemployment rate. Since most of these interventions are work in progress, the PSA trusts that the country will see positive turn arounds in especially unemployment figures,” said Mr Fredericks.
Issued by Ivan Fredericks, General Manager, Public Servants Association (PSA)