Note to Editors: Please find attached English and Afrikaans soundbites by David van Vuuren MPL.
The latest Statistics South Africa (StatsSA) Quarterly Labour Force Survey (QLFS) are a reminder of the unemployment crisis facing the Free State. The Latest figures indicate that 37.3% of the province’s labour force is unemployed, which remains high, while 42.9% of young people aged 15–34 are not in employment, education or training (NEET). Even more concerning is the fact that the youth NEET rate has not fallen below 40% since 2022.
These figures clearly illustrate the ANC’s failure to create an environment in which businesses can grow and young people can find work. The DA has repeatedly held that businesses cannot invest and expand where municipalities cannot provide reliable basic services.
The reality is that failing municipalities are holding back economic growth and condemning future generations of young Free Staters to unemployment. The DA has proven that, where we govern, ensuring municipalities are financially responsible and focused on service delivery, then jobs follow.
The Free State cannot afford more of the same. Residents have the power to change the direction of their communities on 4 November. Vote DA for municipalities that work, economies that grow and a Free State where people can find opportunities and jobs.