The Democratic Alliance (DA) in the Northern Cape notes that the Quarterly Labour Force Survey on the second quarter of 2025 reports annual and quarterly increases in both the expanded and official unemployment rates for the province, bringing it to 46.9% and 32.7% respectively.
As unemployment rates increased for two consecutive quarters and nearly one in two people in the province are now unemployed, the provincial government must do more to ensure that SMMEs, as drivers of economic opportunities, can thrive. Inefficient local governments remain a major stumbling block for businesses, who are stranded without affordable electricity, water, adequate sanitation or other services essential for growth and development. And when cash-strapped municipalities will rather buy luxury passenger cars than specialised service delivery vehicles, as Emthanjeni recently did, it is evident that local governments are failing the economy.
The provincial government needs to step up its oversight of municipalities to prevent this kind of collapse. We need to ensure that administrations are professionalised, that municipal billing systems function properly, and that municipal income is reinvested into infrastructure supporting local businesses. Infrastructure projects must be planned and managed properly.
Unless the provincial government acts, we will continue to see increased levels of unemployment, poverty, and desperation in each quarter.