Rising unemployment of grave concern to Gauteng govt

Johannesburg – the Gauteng Treasury has raised the alarm about rising unemployment in the province.

It says the situation is of grave concern.

The department is hoping that through its Growing Gauteng Together Vision 2030 plan, they will be able to reverse the employment misfortunes.

It says defeating Covid-19 and reviving the economy is one of its main priorities.

“Gauteng unemployment rate reached 37 percent from 34 percent…we are concerned about the high unemployment level, it’s a matter of grave concern that in a rich province such as Gauteng, we continue to see poverty,” said Gauteng Finance MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko.

“However, we are of the view that economic growth intervention in partnership with the private sector which are aligned to our growing Gauteng vision 2030 plan are the most direct and effective route to address challenges…we continue to focus on four priorities- defeating COVID-19, reigniting economy, recalibrating social policy and improving governance.”