Political leaders from the Democratic Alliance and community representatives gathered across Nelson Mandela Bay recently to mark Workers’ Day on May 1, with a focus on addressing South Africa’s growing youth unemployment crisis.
In a statement, the DA shared that according to recent statistics, the Eastern Cape currently faces a 36.6% unemployment rate, with the expanded definition reaching 47.6%. The province recorded a GDP growth of just 0.3% in the fourth quarter of 2024, according to data from the Eastern Cape Development Corporation.
The party’s Eastern Cape Provincial Leader, Yusuf Cassim, led several initiatives in the metro aimed at highlighting employment challenges and providing practical support to job seekers.
“Youth unemployment remains a crisis, and it is hitting the Eastern Cape and Nelson Mandela Bay especially hard,” said Cassim during a community event in Central. “We cannot celebrate while 43.2% of South Africa’s youth are unemployed – excluded from opportunity, from development, and from dignity.”
Several digital access points were unveiled across the metro, including a free WiFi hotspot at the Ward 5 Office in Central, adding to an existing facility in Ward 10. The initiative aims to provide internet connectivity to job seekers and students.
“This is not a luxury – it is a necessity. It will give job seekers, students, and the public access to online platforms, resources, and opportunities,” Cassim explained. Local community members also participated in a Careers Opportunity Centre at the Walmer Multipurpose Centre, where attendees received assistance with CV creation and job search resources. The event builds on the “Opportunity Fridays” initiative launched in June 2023, which provides similar services at ward offices in the Northern Areas.
The day’s activities included an inspection of the abandoned Gelvandale Post Office, which local residents have proposed converting into a skills development centre. Community advocates believe the facility could provide valuable training for young people entering the job market.
“Youth unemployment is a national emergency,” Cassim said. “The fight for economic justice in the Eastern Cape continues. We are committed to driving economic growth, creating jobs, and building a province where every citizen can live a meaningful life of dignity.”
Various stakeholders in attendance included DA Deputy Federal Chairperson, Solly Malatsi MP, Southwest Constituency Leader, Retief Odendaal MPL, EC Provincial Spokesperson, Georgina Faldtman, and NMB Caucus Leader, Rano Kayser .
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