The Statistics South Africa (StatsSA) Quarterly Labour Force Survey indicates that Limpopo’s economy has created 57 000 jobs in quarter four which covers October to December 2010. The survey further indicates that there was a substantial decrease in the unemployment rate in Limpopo, which is down by 10 percent during the quarter under review unlike 8.2 percent observed during the previous one.
In terms of the year on year contribution per sector, the survey shows an impressive increase in following:
- Agriculture has created 8 000 more jobs than during the same period last year
- Utility notched up by adding 2 000 more jobs to the provincial economy, primarily
- Construction increased by 3000 more job opportunities
- Community and Social Services has employed 17 000 more people
- Private household absorbed 18 000 more people.
However, it is noteworthy to mention that the mining and manufacturing sectors are still impacted by the global economic challenges.
“Our government is committed to implement the five key priorities of the current electoral mandate with particular focus on the creation of decent work and sustainable livelihoods. Our institutional coordination through structures such as the Premier’s Employment Growth and Advisory Council and its underpinning technical working groups have been engaging in innovative programmes about job creation. The creation of 57 000 jobs in our province demonstrate that our government clusters have taken concrete steps to respond to the challenge of unemployment,” said Premier Cassel Mathale.
The Limpopo Employment Growth and Development Plan (LEGDP) with its eight High Impact Growth Catalytic Projects is a key driver of employment and growth in the province. The LEGDP seeks to put the province in a high economic trajectory so that it can contribute the double digit Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to the national economy.
In the spirit of working together we can do more, social compact towards job creation through government partnership with strategic partners in labour, the private sector, civil society and other key stakeholders should continue to engage openly to identify further solutions in the creation of sustainable jobs for the people.
Premier Cassel Mathale will give further indications on how the provincial government will assist in creating more jobs in the province when he delivers the State of the Province on 18 February 2011. This will be in response to President Jacob Zuma’s call for the creation of jobs made during the State of the Nation Address.
Enquiries:
Tebatso Mabitsela
Cell: 072 263 0563
