Despite Premier Panyaza Lesufi’s lofty promises, more people are jobless. He must finally address those government failures that have paralysed the economy and inhibit businesses from investing and creating jobs. These issues include crime, corruption, and a failure to deliver services such as electricity, water, pothole-free roads and refuse removal.
Lesufi and his minions in the metros have dealt a hard blow to the unemployed residents. Many have endured years of misery. According to the latest Quarterly Labour Force Statistics (QLFS), 22000 more Gauteng residents joined their ranks this past quarter.
This is the second consecutive quarter in which the province has endured increased unemployment.
The facts are absolutely appalling.
In Ekurhuleni, there are 12 000 more people unemployed compared to quarter two of 2025.
The increase in joblessness in Johannesburg since last year stands at 84 000.
Despite the mayor’s propaganda and her party’s megaphone, Tshwane recorded an increase of 57 000 in unemployed residents’ year-on-year for the second quarter.
These numbers clearly show that Premier Panyaza Lesufi’s Nasi Ispani programme is failing and is just another vanity project to placate the residents of this province. Just recently, Premier Lesufi announced that job opportunities will be created through the Nasi Ispani programme, however, the QLFS undermines what Lesufi is proclaiming.
On the other hand, the DA-led Cape Town metro added 67 000 more jobs during the second quarter compared to 2025.
This demonstrates that where the DA governs, not only is there reliable service delivery, but there is a chance of getting a job.
Currently, a total of 2.697 million residents of Gauteng are unemployed. Year on year, the unemployment rate continues to increase and now stands at 34.6%.
It is high time that Lesufi prioritise creating a conducive environment to attract investors. This can be done by fixing our collapsing infrastructure, ensuring adequate service delivery and fighting crime. No business would invest in a province burdened by crime and facing challenges with water, electricity, sanitation, and infrastructure.
The DA is the only party that has a tangible plan to grow the Gauteng economy and create employment opportunities. DA-led Gauteng municipalities would deliver government services and implement investment-ready toolkits aimed at facilitating investor support, making our municipalities and towns in Gauteng competitive global destinations for business and job creation. The toolkit, which would follow the same model as the DA-run Western Cape, will include measures to attract and retain investment, such as one-stop-shop services, dedicated facilitation units and coordinated fast-tracked support.