Latest news with #ReubenCoetzer
IOL News
2 days ago
- Business
- IOL News
South Africa's Opposition Parties Criticise Q2 Jobs Data Amid Unemployment Crisis
concerns about growing number of unemplpyed people in the country Image: Ron Lach/Pexels South Africa's second quarter 2025 jobs data has triggered strong criticism from political parties and organised labour, with calls for urgent economic reforms, job creation programmes, and government accountability. They have all warned that the country's unemployment crisis is worsening in real terms. 'Jobs give dignity and independence, but the current pace of growth is far too slow to make a dent in South Africa's unemployment crisis,' said Free SA spokesperson Reuben Coetzer. 'We cannot pat ourselves on the back for adding 0.3% more jobs when our working-age population is growing at the same rate, or faster. In realterms, we are standing still, while millions remain jobless.' Free SA argued that the Western Cape's recent rise to become the province with the second highest number of employed people, overtaking KwaZulu-Natal, shows the benefits of a more business-friendly environment. 'The Western Cape's example shows that a more business-friendly environment delivers results. Other provinces and national government must take note,' Coetzer said. The group called for reduced policy uncertainty, the removal of unnecessary regulations, reforms to restrictive labour laws, and urgent improvements to infrastructure and services. The DA's spokesperson on Employment and Labour, Michael Bagraim, said the figures show 'the ANC's economic policies are not working and are only driving more and more South Africans into misery.' He added: 'We cannot do the same thing over and over and expect a different result, which is why the DA's plan to turbocharge the economy is so important.' Bagraim said the DA's plan includes cutting bureaucracy and red tape, scrapping 'job-killing race-based legislation,' ensuring electricity security, improving local government functionality, and reducing crime to encourage investment. 'The time for talkshops is long past. The time to take action is now,' he said. FEDUSA said the high unemployment rate was 'a big setback for the country's economy and many households,' warning that it makes life harder for families, increases poverty and inequality, and slows economic growth. The union federation called for more job opportunities, stronger support for small businesses, improved skills training, and policies that encourage investment. 'With the upcoming National Dialogue, FEDUSA demands that it must produce actionable outcomes on employment creation, decent work, and wage progression, written into a national compact with timelines, deliverables, and accountability mechanisms,' the organisation said. While FEDUSA acknowledged the slight rise in the employment rate, it stressed that 'the increase in the official unemployment rate shows that job creation remains a major challenge for South Africa.' ActionSA leader in Parliament Alan Beesley said the GNU had overseen 'almost 350 000' more unemployed people so far in 2025, describing the government as 'hapless' and 'rudderless.' He accused coalition partners of being 'at odds with their coalition partner, the ANC, on virtually every element of their supposed plan to 'save' South Africa's economy.' 'Minister Meth, if not you, then who will take action?' Beesley said, referencing the Minister of Employment and Labour. He also warned that slow growth, which has not exceeded 1% under the GNU, could face further pressure from 'anticipated new US tariffs.' 'For those impacted, this is not just the absence of work but a suffocating darkness that erodes hope, dignity, and self-worth. According to the expanded definition, 12 million South Africans remain trapped in that darkness,' Beesley said.
The Star
2 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Unemployment rate rises to 33. 2% as political parties push for urgent economic reforms
The latest data from South Africa's Quarterly Labour Force Survey (QLFS) for Q2 2025 reveals an alarming rise in the unemployment rate, which has increased to 33.2% from 32.9% in the previous quarter. This surge, attributed to an additional 140 000 people joining the ranks of the unemployed, has sparked concerns from political parties and economic analysts alike. The Democratic Alliance (DA) has been one of the loudest voices seeking accountability, with its leaders emphasising the critical need for reform. 'South Africans will continue to struggle for work if small businesses have to comply with the same regulations as massive corporations or operate against headwinds of BEE under cronyism.' The party also asserts that the pathway to reviving the economy lies in a comprehensive plan that addresses impediments faced by small businesses at all government levels. Equally concerning is the situation in Limpopo, where the unemployment rate has surged by 0.6 percentage points, from 34.4% in Q1 to 35.0% in Q2. The region's expanded unemployment rate, which accounts for discouraged job seekers, remained stagnant at 43.8%. 'The gap shows that whatever gains the national economy is making are not translating into improvements here,' said local DA officials. Build One South Africa (BOSA) has also highlighted the grim realities echoed by these statistics, noting that South Africa's unemployment rate of 42.9% remains among the highest globally. According to BOSA, there are now 12.6 million South Africans out of work, a number that includes both the unemployed and those who have lost hope in finding work. 'If every unemployed person stood in a queue, it would stretch nearly 6 300 km,' the party said. Despite these harrowing figures, there are glimpses of hope. Free SA has pointed out that the Western Cape has become the province with the second-highest number of employed individuals, surpassing KwaZulu-Natal. This success story is attributed to effective governance that fosters business growth with minimal interference. Reuben Coetzer, Free SA's spokesperson, said, 'Jobs give dignity and independence, but the current pace of growth is far too slow to make a dent in South Africa's unemployment crisis.' Furthermore, the meagre 0.3% year-on-year employment growth should not be celebrated when it fails to keep pace with population growth. 'South Africa does not have a shortage of talent or ambition, we have a shortage of opportunity. The only way to break the back of unemployment is to let enterprise lead the way. Government must stop being the problem and start being the enabler.' [email protected] Saturday Star
IOL News
2 days ago
- Business
- IOL News
Unemployment rate rises to 33. 2% as political parties push for urgent economic reforms
The latest data from South Africa's Quarterly Labour Force Survey (QLFS) for Q2 2025 reveals an alarming rise in the unemployment rate, which has increased to 33.2% from 32.9% in the previous quarter. This surge, attributed to an additional 140 000 people joining the ranks of the unemployed, has sparked concerns from political parties and economic analysts alike. The Democratic Alliance (DA) has been one of the loudest voices seeking accountability, with its leaders emphasising the critical need for reform. 'South Africans will continue to struggle for work if small businesses have to comply with the same regulations as massive corporations or operate against headwinds of BEE under cronyism.' The party also asserts that the pathway to reviving the economy lies in a comprehensive plan that addresses impediments faced by small businesses at all government levels. Equally concerning is the situation in Limpopo, where the unemployment rate has surged by 0.6 percentage points, from 34.4% in Q1 to 35.0% in Q2. The region's expanded unemployment rate, which accounts for discouraged job seekers, remained stagnant at 43.8%. 'The gap shows that whatever gains the national economy is making are not translating into improvements here,' said local DA officials. Build One South Africa (BOSA) has also highlighted the grim realities echoed by these statistics, noting that South Africa's unemployment rate of 42.9% remains among the highest globally. According to BOSA, there are now 12.6 million South Africans out of work, a number that includes both the unemployed and those who have lost hope in finding work. 'If every unemployed person stood in a queue, it would stretch nearly 6 300 km,' the party said. Despite these harrowing figures, there are glimpses of hope. Free SA has pointed out that the Western Cape has become the province with the second-highest number of employed individuals, surpassing KwaZulu-Natal. This success story is attributed to effective governance that fosters business growth with minimal interference. Reuben Coetzer, Free SA's spokesperson, said, 'Jobs give dignity and independence, but the current pace of growth is far too slow to make a dent in South Africa's unemployment crisis.' Furthermore, the meagre 0.3% year-on-year employment growth should not be celebrated when it fails to keep pace with population growth. 'South Africa does not have a shortage of talent or ambition, we have a shortage of opportunity. The only way to break the back of unemployment is to let enterprise lead the way. Government must stop being the problem and start being the enabler.' Saturday Star
IOL News
23-04-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
Growing rejection of PSIRA's draft firearm regulations sparks nationwide outcry
Private security industry is facing a crackdown on the weapons the security industry can have access to. The wave of opposition to the proposed amendments to firearm regulations for the private security industry is gaining momentum, with nearly 30,000 formal objections submitted by the Foundation for Rights of Expression and Equality (Free SA) in a scathing rejection of the draft regulations under the Private Security Industry Regulation Act. 'This is not just about regulatory overreach; it's about people's lives. The draft regulations are disconnected from the realities of crime in our country. They disarm the very people who are protecting our communities while offering no credible alternative,' said Reuben Coetzer, Spokesperson for Free SA. Free SA warns that the proposed regulations, tabled by the Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority (PSIRA) and Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, could have dire implications for public safety, community self-reliance, and the constitutional rights of citizens. The proposed amendments to South Africa's Private Security Industry Regulation Act introduce significant changes to the management of firearms within the private security sector. These draft regulations aim to tighten control over the issuing, possession, and use of firearms and other weapons by security service providers. Key provisions include mandating that security officers may only possess firearms lawfully provided by their employers, prohibiting them from using personally owned firearms while on duty. Additionally, the regulations seek to impose stricter oversight on firearm usage, including requirements for detailed record-keeping and adherence to specified training standards. Free SA has called for the immediate withdrawal of the draft, citing widespread concern from crime-affected communities. In its submission to PSIRA, Free SA revealed it had received 28,395 individual objections through its public participation platform. 'We don't see SAPS in our community. If you take away our security patrols' tools, who will protect us?' read one submission. Another asked: 'Private security came when my wife was attacked. SAPS came three hours later. If these rules pass, who do I call next time?' Among the objections are concerns about legal vagueness, such as undefined terms like 'reasonable quantity of ammunition' and impractical proposals like mandating tracking devices on firearms. Free SA also criticised what it called a 'flawed and legally deficient' public consultation process and warned that the regulations ignore successful safety models, such as the Western Cape's LEAP programme. The foundation's stance echoes industry-wide backlash. Just last week, six leading private security industry bodies—SANSEA, SASA, the National Security Forum, CEO, TAPSOSA, and LASA—announced their formal opposition to the proposed regulations. 'We urge the government to work collaboratively with the sector to find solutions that support both accountability and operational viability,' said Steve Conradie, National Chairperson of the National Security Forum. 'If these regulations are promulgated, it will result in massive job losses and will put the safety of the public at risk.' The coalition has engaged firearm law expert Martin Hood of MJ Hood and Associates to spearhead their legal response. THE MERCURY
