The Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development, Ms.Thoko Didiza is pleased with the agricultural sector's positive contribution to the creation of employment in the country.
Today StatsSA released the latest Quarterly Labour Force Survey (QLFS) data, which showed that the agricultural sector has once again created new jobs amounting to 61,000 in the 3rd quarter, thus increasing the total employment in agriculture to 956,000. This is the highest employment figure in agriculture since the start of the modern democratic era. The last time the agricultural sector recorded a million jobs was in 1993, the era which was underpinned by subsidies.
The QLFS indicated that the total number of employed persons in the country increased by 399,000 to 16,7 million in the third quarter of 2023 compared to 16,3 million in the second quarter of 2023. These changes in employment have resulted in the official unemployment rate decreasing by 0,7 of a percentage point from 32,6% in the second quarter of 2023 to 31,9% in the third quarter of 2023. The latest employment figures suggest that the economy is gradually recovering and starting to create some jobs.
“ The agricultural sector has demonstrated its resilience and capability to support the overall South Africa’s economic recovery and growth, both in terms of jobs creation and contribution to the
economy. The positive jobs in agriculture attest to the continuous commitment by government, industry, labour, and other value chain players to implement inclusive growth and job-created measures contained under the Agriculture and Agro-processing Master. The resuscitation of
agriculture in rural areas and continued expansion of export opportunities are amongst the enablers that have brought growth and stability in the sector, said Minister Didiza.
Enquiries:
Reggie Ngcobo
Cell: 066 298 0980
E-mail: MLO.Minister@dalrrd.gov.za
Eviction Toll-free Number: 0800 007 095
