The Democratic Alliance (DA) in the Northern Cape notes the marginal decrease in the provincial expanded unemployment rate, combined with an increase of 1.4% in the provincial official unemployment rate. What these statistics in the latest Quarterly Labour Force Survey confirms is that, as of March 2024, two out every five people in the Northern Cape still cannot find jobs and cannot become economically active.
The lack of economic opportunity comes as little surprise, considering that the collapse of municipal and road infrastructure alike makes it downright impossible for companies to do business profitably in the province. When one factors in the cost of living and the burden of continued procurement of alternative water and electricity supply, it becomes clear that loadshedding is indeed the end of the business world for many companies.
But it does not have to be this way!
The DA is the only party with a proven record of implementing economic policies that result in real and tangible job creation. We intend to create an enabling environment for SMMEs in the Northern Cape, by providing funding and non-financial support based solely on the strength of business plans and by ensuring that suppliers are paid within 30 days.
Along with our partners in the Multi-party Charter, we have also committed to robust infrastructure investment and development. This will alleviate the logistical constraints and unlock the province’s true potential as a preferred destination for local and foreign direct investment.
Doing so requires voters to put their faith in the DA on 29 May. We can rescue the Northern Cape’s economy with your support.