By Thapelo Molefe
The uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) has accused the government of failing to address South Africa’s worsening unemployment crisis, saying that policy decisions are contributing to job losses and limiting opportunities for young people.
The party said in a statement that rising unemployment was placing growing pressure on households through lost income, fewer opportunities and limited pathways into employment.
It said the deterioration in the labour market could not be dismissed as an unavoidable consequence of economic conditions.
“The most troubling feature is government rhetoric that feigns intervention,” the MKP said.
“We hear promises of how initiatives like investment summits and Operation Vulindlela are going to create jobs, yet the labour market continues to deteriorate and industries keep shedding jobs,” the party said.
It said the combination of rising unemployment and declining employment pointed to a deterioration in the economy rather than isolated shocks.
It also raised concerns about the impact of unemployment on young people, saying they continued to bear the brunt of the crisis and faced long-term disadvantage as a result.
According to the party, persistent joblessness was also creating conditions in which workers could become more vulnerable to exploitation because they had limited bargaining power.
“When workers have no meaningful bargaining power because the economy is not delivering jobs, exploitation becomes easier and profit becomes detached from people’s dignity,” the statement said.
The MKP also criticised the Government of National Unity (GNU).
“The so-called Government of National Unity is failing to provide any tangible solution to the social ills engulfing our beloved country,” the party said.
It called on voters to hold the government accountable in the upcoming local government elections and the 2029 national and provincial elections.
“South Africans must reject intervention-speak without intervention that works, and demand policy accountability that puts jobs and entrepreneurship; especially where youth is concerned, at the centre of government action,” it said.
The party has been actively canvassing around the country prior to the 4 November LGE, saying on Saturday it had welcomed over 1000 new members in Port St Johns Ward 1.
INSIDE POLITICS
