Steenhuisen: As part of GNU, DA committed to reducing unemployment over next 5 years
The new agriculture minister said that the DA would make it its priority to ensure economic growth and job creation were at the core of every ministry it runs.
FILE: DA leader John Steenhusen at the Union Buildings ahead of the 2024 presidential inauguration on 19 June 2024. Picture: Xanderleigh Dookey Makhaza/Eyewitness News
CAPE TOWN - Democratic Alliance (DA) leader John Steenhuisen said that the latest unemployment rate of 33.5% is not only a crisis but a shame.
On Tuesday, Stats SA revealed the number of unemployed people in the country continues to rise, with more than eight million people without a job.
Steenhuisen said that as part of the Government of National Unity (GNU), his party would be firmly committed to reducing unemployment over the next five years.
The new agriculture minister said that the DA would make it its priority to ensure economic growth and job creation were at the core of every ministry it runs.
The DA has control over six government portfolios.
Party leader Steenhuisen said that the GNU provided a foundation for driving the policy reforms needed to turn the tide.
Meanwhile, Western Cape Premier Alan Winde has lamented the 22% unemployment rate in the province, albeit the lowest in the country.
"The energy crisis didn’t help us. We had a great tourism season, better than we’ve ever had and we hit all records. I thought that was going to help us to drive it below 20%."
He said he hoped the GNU would help to improve operations at the Cape Town Harbour and increase economic growth.