Job creation is beyond political parties

• Published date: 20 April 2024
• Publication title: Weekend Argus

A 32% unemployment rate, with high rates among the youth, does not paint a pretty picture in any year, but could be disastrous for the ANC in an election year

Labour Minister Thulas Nxesi said this week that government departments hindered job creation, but the problem goes further.

The ANC promises 2.5 million work opportunities from delivering public goods and services and a million more from increased support for small enterprises, entrepreneurs and co-operatives. Where have these initiatives been while the country sheds jobs? The DA and EFF also promise job creation in their manifestos, but as Professor Pundy Pillay says: “None of the parties have been clear enough to provide evidence that they can solve the problem.”

We need a regulatory framework that is more friendly to those setting up businesses, rather than the current model which places obstacles at every step of the way.

There should also be better incentives in terms of tax breaks for businesses which create and retain jobs, and protection for those falling prey to the likes of construction mafias which bring major projects...