A job sign and jobseekers
Employers Urged to Collaborate with Government to Tackle Unemployment
The Deputy Minister of Employment and Labour, Boitumelo Moloi, has issued a passionate plea to employers across South Africa to join forces with the government in addressing the nation’s alarming unemployment crisis. Speaking at a job fair in Nkomazi, Mpumalanga, Moloi underscored the critical importance of this partnership, emphasizing that it could significantly impact the lives of countless jobseekers.
South Africa’s Unemployment Crisis
In the province of Mpumalanga, the unemployment rate has soared to a staggering 44%. This grim statistic reflects the immense challenges faced by jobseekers in the region, where opportunities are scarce, and competition is fierce. The job fair in Nkomazi served as a beacon of hope for the local youth, drawing crowds of eager individuals eager to explore new avenues for employment.
- Unemployment rate in Mpumalanga: 44%
- Over six million jobseekers registered on the Department of Labour’s database
Unlocking Opportunities Through Government Support
Moloi urged attendees to register on the Department of Labour’s database, which currently houses the details of more than six million jobseekers. She highlighted the department’s efforts in facilitating job matching through their system, which connects the skills of jobseekers with the requirements of potential employers. Annually, the department counsels over 300,000 individuals, offering guidance and support in their quest for employment.
One jobseeker expressed their optimism about the fair, stating, “It’s going to assist me a lot in finding a job since I heard there are many companies here. If I qualify, they will consider my application.” Another shared their decade-long struggle, saying, “I have been searching for a job for 10 years, but we have been deprived of getting those opportunities because you need to be under 35 to be able to work in SA. Another thing they say is they need three years of experience, where do I get that experience from school? It’s a struggle for us.”
Employer Responsibility in Tackling Unemployment
As part of the government’s multifaceted approach to addressing unemployment, Moloi called on employers to play their part. She urged businesses to return any unused funds from the COVID-19 Temporary Employer-Employee Relief Scheme (TERS) that they had received from the Department of Labour. Remarkably, more than R2 billion has already been recovered from employers following investigations into the misuse of these funds.
The Path Forward: Collaboration and Hope
Addressing South Africa’s unemployment crisis requires a collective effort, and employers have a pivotal role to play. Collaborating with the government to create more job opportunities and fostering a supportive environment for jobseekers can lead to positive change.
The job fair in Nkomazi serves as a reminder that hope is not lost for the millions of jobseekers striving for a better future. By working together, government entities, employers, and individuals alike can make a difference in the lives of those affected by unemployment.
Conclusion
South Africa’s high unemployment rate is a pressing issue that demands immediate attention. Deputy Minister Boitumelo Moloi’s call for employers to collaborate with the government is a crucial step toward tackling this crisis. By leveraging government resources and support, employers can help create job opportunities and offer a brighter future to countless jobseekers. This partnership offers hope and a path forward in the battle against unemployment in South Africa.
