Jobs growth of 60% in WC agriculture sector; new minimum wage comes into effect
The number of people employed in the Western Cape’s agricultural sector has grown by more than 63% year-on-year.
Alan Winde, Minister of Economic Opportunities, said according to the latest employment figures from Statistics South Africa (QLFS: Quarter 4, 2015), the province’s agriculture sector added 83 000 jobs to the economy in 2015. There are now 214 000 people employed in the Western Cape’s agricultural sector.
“Seventy percent of the new jobs in South Africa’s agriculture sector were created in the Western Cape. Our year-on-year jobs growth rate was 63.5%, compared to 16% nationally. These phenomenal figures are testament to growth in the industry. This is in part due to strong support for the sector from government, and to positive sentiment and investment by the private sector.
“Through its backward link to the agri-processing sector, agriculture has been identified as a key sector by the province. We have set ourselves the goal of adding up to 100 000 jobs to the agri-processing sector by 2019. These trends show there’s positive sentiment in the sector and that we’re on track to achieving our jobs and growth goals.”
In addition, Minister Winde noted the new minimum wage for agricultural employees which comes into effect today (1 March 2016). The new rate, which is determined by the National Department of Labour, increases to R2778.83, up from R2606.78 in the 2015/16 financial year.
For media queries, kindly contact:
Bronwynne Jooste
Tel: 021 483 3550
Cell: 060 970 4301
E-mail: bronwynne.jooste@westerncape.gov.za
