Note to editors: Please find attached English soundbite by Mike Moriarty MPL.
Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi’s economic and employment policies, along with poor governance, have resulted in the province meant to be the country’s economic engine, being South Africa’s largest contributor to unemployment in the third quarter of 2026.
According to the Quarterly Labour Force Survey (QLFS) for the third quarter (Q3) of 2026, compared with the same quarter in 2025, Gauteng recorded the largest decrease in employment, with 117 000. While for the whole country the decrease in employment was 215 000, which means Gauteng contributed 54,42%, more than half. The DA-led Western Cape was the only province to have an employment increase year-on-year adding 69 000 jobs in Q3 2026 compared to Q3 2025.
This is evidence that Lesufi’s Nasi Ispani programme is not yielding positive results in creating sustainable employment opportunities for unemployed Gauteng residents. Gauteng unemployment rate has increased from 34,6% in the second quarter of 2026 to 35.7% in the third quarter of 2026. The unemployment rate has increased by 1.1%, with 2 847 000 unemployed residents in the province, an increase from 2 697 000 in the previous quarter.
The continued rise in unemployment clearly indicates that Lesufi has failed and run out of ideas for growing the economy by attracting investors who, in turn, will create sustainable job opportunities.
The collapse of critical infrastructure such as water and electricity, rising crime, and the lack of basic services are driving investors out of the province, leading to more job losses every quarter. This is happening under Lesufi’s watch, and its high time he goes before he brings this province to its knees.
A DA-led Gauteng government would ensure good governance and accountability by cracking down on corruption and implementing policies that support economic growth. We will prioritise fixing collapsing infrastructure through our Infrastructure Master Plan, delivering adequate services and fighting crime.
Gauteng residents deserve a government committed to creating more job opportunities, as no one wants to live in poverty. It is time for Premier Lesufi to go.