UASA Media Release: 14 December 2023
Statement by Abigail Moyo, spokesperson of the trade union UASA:
UASA welcomes the increased employment number reported across the labour force in the last quarter, bringing hope to those working to create adequate employment for all.
Stats SA said today employment increased by 31 000 or 0,3% quarter-on-quarter, from 10 145 000 in June 2023 to 10 176 000 in September 2023. The increase is mainly due to gains in several industries, including community services, trade, transport, and mining.
The current unemployment rate sits at 31,9%, and we urge the government to find ways to create permanent rather than part-time employment. Celebrating an employment increase resulting from part-time work does not do justice to the end goal of eradicating high unemployment rates. When part-time contracts end, those same individuals will again add to the unemployment rate, becoming an unending cycle.
Full-time employment decreased by 76 000 or -0,9% year-on-year between September 2022 and September 2023, while part-time employment increased by 332 000 or 31,5% year-on-year between September 2022 and September 2023.
For the new year, UASA calls on the government to step up to find workable solutions for the enormous economic challenges that face us due to load-shedding, water challenges, greylisting, weak global economic growth, low consumer and business confidence levels, social and political instability, weak governance (including rampant corruption), climate change and infrastructural challenges.
Tackling these challenges head-on is the only way for our country to create sustainable employment and grow our economic sectors.
For further enquiries or to set up a personal interview, contact Abigail Moyo at 065 170 0162 .