Mpumalanga Department of Economic Development and Tourism plans to create 60 000 jobs
In May, Stats SA released the Quarterly Labour Force Survey for the first quarter of 2025. The report states that about 43 000 Mpumalanga residents lost their jobs in the first three months of this year. It also shows that the country's total number of unemployed youth (15 to 34 years) increased by 151 000 to 4.8 million, while employed youth recorded a decrease of 153 000 to 5.7 million. As a result, the youth unemployment rate increased from 44.6% in the fourth quarter of 2024, to 46.1% in the first quarter of 2025. Currently, youth unemployment in Mpumalanga is at 46.4%, one of the highest in the country.
ALSO READ: 43 000 Mpumalanga residents lose jobs in first quarter of 2025
Silence Mhlaba of the DEDT said it should be noted that Mpumalanga also recorded job losses in both the first and second quarters of 2024, but recovered very well in the last six months of the year with net job gains of more than 62 000.
'It is important to put this in perspective, because the first quarter is normally exposed to several challenges such as seasonal factors and new entrants to the labour market. This is especially people who completed their secondary or tertiary qualifications. This results in some job losses and an increase in the unemployment rate.'
He said the provincial government, through DEDT and its entities, will continue with its catalytic economic projects and plans to stimulate the economy and contribute to the much needed jobs.
'All our economic plans should promote inclusive economic growth and job creation, which will have a positive impact on Mpumalanga's the high poverty and inequality rates.'
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Mhlaba said addressing the high youth unemployment remains a top priority of government and business.
'We will continue to assist our young people to have the right qualifications and skills, in line with the province's economic needs.'
He said almost 28% of the employed in Mpumalanga are people in the informal economy. Mhlaba said the DEDT has developed a provincial informal sector policy and is busy finalising it for implementation.
'Job creation is a co-responsibility between the public and private sectors. Infrastructure investment, for example, is crucial to stimulate the economy and create jobs on a large scale,' Mhlaba said.
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