ActionSA demands Ramaphosa fire Labour Minister over soaring unemployment

By Lungile Ntimba

ActionSA has urged President Cyril Ramaphosa to dismiss Employment and Labour Minister Nomakhosazana Meth.

The party has formally written to Ramaphosa, calling for the removal of the minister due to her inability to combat the deepening unemployment crisis, which continues to devastate the prospects and dignity of millions of South Africans.

This call comes in response to the latest Quarterly Labour Force Survey (QLFS) for the first quarter of 2025, revealing a rise in the country’s official unemployment rate to 32.9%, up from 31.9% in the previous quarter.

Currently, there are 8.2 million unemployed South Africans, with an additional 3.5 million categorized as discouraged work-seekers.

The youth are particularly affected, with 45.1% of those aged 15–34 not engaged in employment, education, or training (NEET).

ActionSA MP Alan Beesley emphasised the absence of a coherent strategy from Meth to halt job losses, support the informal economy, or address