Creating an 'enabling environment' for job creation is essential - Winde

CAPE TOWN - Western Cape Premier Alan Winde says the latest unemployment statistics show that the provincial economy is helping people find jobs.

Earlier on Tuesday, Stats SA released the quarterly figures which showed a 1.4% decrease in joblessness in the country, which now stands at 32.1%.

READ: SA's unemployment shrinks to 32.1% in third quarter

Winde said while there was still much work to do, the numbers reinforce the promising indicators of economic growth in the Western Cape, despite a challenging environment globally.

"This unemployment rate shows that through government actions, government participation, like the booster fund, the SMME [Small and Medium-sized Enterprises] booster fund or projects like the Red Tape Reduction Unit, creating an enabling environment for entrepreneurs to invest and to create those jobs, that's the important part."

Winde said good governance also has a role to play in creating employment opportunities.

"This is where good governance, stability in government, keep corruption out of the system to make sure you create an enabling environment and that's what attracts investors, attracts people and that's how we get to grow more jobs." 

The premier added that the numbers are particularly encouraging, as the festive season nears, when traditionally the province had seen even more job opportunities as visitors flock to the Western Cape.