The increase in the unemployment rate for the fourth quarter of 2021, which was announced today, came as no surprise.
The spike from 34,9% in the third quarter of 2021 to 35,3% in the fourth quarter is indicative of failed ANC policy, and matters will not improve under ANC rule.
Unemployment will keep rising as long as the ANC continues to impose its outdated political ideologies, through legislation and other stumbling blocks, on employers and employees in South Africa.
The recent amendment to the Employment Equity Act, which empowers the Minister of Labour to determine certain sectoral targets in, for instance, the mining sector, is one such an example.
This sector employed approximately 4 000 less employees in the fourth quarter, which represents a contraction of 3,5% in job opportunities.
Furthermore, the poor condition of local government knee-halters local economies so much so that small to medium enterprises, particularly those in rural areas, can no longer do business effectively. And as a result, many job opportunities are lost.
The lack of proper basic service delivery, like reliable water and electricity supply, garbage disposal and the maintenance of critical infrastructure, like roads, puts enormous stumbling blocks in the way of private-sector employers.
It is due to the ANC's sheer inability to manage municipalities properly. Rising input costs, like the fuel price, and restrictive labour legislation make job creation extremely difficult under these circumstances.
The private sector's courage as the biggest job creator in the country, despite the lack of government support, under these difficult circumstances ought to be commended.
Despite various job losses – approximately 500 000 since the same period in 2020 – the agricultural sector succeeded in creating 57 000 more job opportunities than a year ago.
Likewise, job opportunities in the finance and community service sectors also increased.
It proves that South Africa's people have the expertise and will to pull the country out of its current economic quagmire without the ANC government's influences and incompetence.
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