In Conversation With Mike Moriarty MPL- DA Gauteng Shadow MEC for Economic Development
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South Africa’s unemployment crisis continues to place enormous pressure on households, businesses, and government, with Gauteng — the country’s economic hub — now facing renewed scrutiny following the release of the Quarterly Labour Force Survey (QLFS) for the first quarter of 2026.
According to the latest figures, Gauteng’s unemployment rate has reportedly risen to 34.1%, with over 2.6 million residents unemployed. The Democratic Alliance (DA) argues that the province has lost approximately 67,000 jobs within a single quarter, raising serious concerns about the effectiveness of the Gauteng Provincial Government’s economic and employment strategies under Premier Panyaza Lesufi.
The DA attributes the worsening unemployment crisis to a combination of infrastructure failures, unreliable electricity and water supply, crime, deteriorating service delivery, and declining investor confidence. The party claims these challenges are driving companies away from Gauteng, resulting in business closures, downsizing, and reduced industrial activity.
Recent years have seen growing concern over major employers scaling back operations or exiting parts of the province. Manufacturing, automotive production, and industrial sectors — traditionally key sources of employment — have faced mounting operational pressures linked to energy instability, logistics challenges, illegal trade, and economic uncertainty.
At the same time, the debate extends beyond political criticism. Economists and labour experts continue to warn that unemployment in South Africa is not only an economic issue, but also a social stability concern. High youth unemployment, rising living costs, and limited economic growth continue to deepen inequality and frustration among citizens.
The conversation also raises broader questions about whether provincial governments have sufficient tools to stimulate job creation, how to attract sustainable investment, and whether current economic policies are adequately responding to the realities facing ordinary South Africans.
According to the latest figures, Gauteng’s unemployment rate has reportedly risen to 34.1%, with over 2.6 million residents unemployed. The Democratic Alliance (DA) argues that the province has lost approximately 67,000 jobs within a single quarter, raising serious concerns about the effectiveness of the Gauteng Provincial Government’s economic and employment strategies under Premier Panyaza Lesufi.
The DA attributes the worsening unemployment crisis to a combination of infrastructure failures, unreliable electricity and water supply, crime, deteriorating service delivery, and declining investor confidence. The party claims these challenges are driving companies away from Gauteng, resulting in business closures, downsizing, and reduced industrial activity.
Recent years have seen growing concern over major employers scaling back operations or exiting parts of the province. Manufacturing, automotive production, and industrial sectors — traditionally key sources of employment — have faced mounting operational pressures linked to energy instability, logistics challenges, illegal trade, and economic uncertainty.
At the same time, the debate extends beyond political criticism. Economists and labour experts continue to warn that unemployment in South Africa is not only an economic issue, but also a social stability concern. High youth unemployment, rising living costs, and limited economic growth continue to deepen inequality and frustration among citizens.
The conversation also raises broader questions about whether provincial governments have sufficient tools to stimulate job creation, how to attract sustainable investment, and whether current economic policies are adequately responding to the realities facing ordinary South Africans.
