UASA Media Release: 26 September 2024
Statement by Abigail Moyo, spokesperson of the trade union UASA:
UASA welcomes the pleasing news announced by Stats SA’s Quarterly Employment Statistics (QES) survey, stating that total employment increased by 42,000 or 0,4% quarter-on-quarter, from 10,674,000 in March 2024 to 10,716,000 in June 2024.
Although the employment growth news is pleasing, it is disheartening to learn that the reported results are only due to an increase in the Community Services industry. A further decrease in several industries was reported, including manufacturing, business services, mining, transport, trade, and construction. Unemployment decreases in critical economic sectors should be a wake-up for all citizens that we still have a way to go.
While the reported employment increase is good news, the total employment decreased by 144,000 or 1,3% year-on-year between June 2023 and June 2024. This means the employment gained is still insufficient to cover the gap between jobs gained and the rate at which unemployment is declining.
UASA is deeply concerned about the enormous industries that are the backbone of the economy and cannot create sufficient employment.
In May, the 2024 UASA South African Employment Report (SAER) highlighted several challenges that our economy faces in terms of job creation along with some solutions in terms of where we need to look at and advance as a country for us to keep up with job creation and a better economy.
As a labour organisation, the reality is before us as we come across the daily challenges that industries and sectors face, reminding us that it’s not only government and stakeholders who must do something but all of us.
Any form of job creation is crucial to our country and the future.
For further enquiries or to set up a personal interview, contact Abigail Moyo at 065 170 0162 .