Cape town: Job creation is government's most pressing matter, as South Africa works to translate hard won economic gains into sustainable and tangible livelihoods for millions of citizens. This according to President Cyril Ramaphosa, who delivered the keynote address at the News24 On the Record Summit, which kicked off at the Cape Town International Convention Centre on Thursday.
According to South African Government News Agency, President Ramaphosa emphasized the critical importance of job creation in South Africa, stating that it is the government's foremost priority. He highlighted the challenge of transforming positive economic momentum into employment for the millions of South Africans who remain unemployed. Ramaphosa asserted that a job is more than just an income, emphasizing its significance in terms of dignity, confidence, and a sense of belonging.
The President noted that after years of stagnation, economic growth is improving, investment is expanding, and more jobs are being created. He attributed this turnaround to the government's sustained, multi-year reform implementation, citing improvements at Eskom and Transnet. These reforms have built significant momentum, fostering growing confidence in South Africa's economic trajectory.
Operation Vulindlela, a joint initiative of the Presidency and National Treasury, is also accelerating the implementation of structural reforms. This initiative addresses key constraints on the economy by focusing on priorities with the greatest impact and ensuring coordinated government action for delivery.
President Ramaphosa acknowledged that while desired changes have not yet materialized, there is confidence that the country is on the right track. He stressed that growth alone will not bring unemployed South Africans into the fold. As structural reforms continue, support for the unemployed is being expanded to sustain productive livelihoods. The redesign of the Social Relief of Distress Grant aims to provide recipients with access to a wide range of support to search for work and sustain a livelihood.
The government's efforts to create employment are also focused on creating pathways for the youth. The Presidential Employment Stimulus has generated over 2.5 million opportunities in public and social employment over the past five years. This initiative has provided meaningful work that benefits communities, builds skills, and enables economic participation. The focus on youth employment includes the SAYouth.mobi platform, connecting over 5 million young people to opportunities.
The President called on the private sector to join government efforts in combating youth unemployment. He emphasized the need for companies to participate in the Youth Employment Service (YES) drive, which has provided work experience to over 220,000 young people. Additionally, the skills development system is undergoing reform to better align training with economic demand.
Support for small businesses and the informal sector is another key focus, as they have the potential to create jobs at scale. The government is reviewing legislation to reduce the administrative burden on small businesses, fostering a more conducive environment for growth.
President Ramaphosa highlighted South Africa's strengths, including a sophisticated financial sector, abundant solar and wind resources, and a thriving agricultural sector. He stressed the importance of rolling out renewable energy and expanding export markets to create jobs across the country.
The global economic instability, particularly the conflict in the Middle East, poses challenges that require urgent economic reform and transformation. However, Ramaphosa expressed confidence that South Africa has the momentum to progress. He called for collaboration among business, labor, civil society, academics, and citizens to drive the country's development.
In conclusion, the President urged the media to play a role in informing and mobilizing society to realize the potential of South Africa's Constitution and its people. Creating jobs, he asserted, is key to opening doors of opportunity, fostering equality, stability, and unity in society.