SA Job Seekers Movement says unemployment crisis persists

Despite President Cyril Ramaphosa's ambitious 2026 State of the Nation Address (SONA) highlighting continued efforts to boost inclusive economic growth and job creation, the SA Job Seekers Movement says the promises have failed to address the unemployment crisis affecting millions of South Africans.

In his recent address, Ramaphosa pointed to signs of economic stabilization and recovery, including consecutive quarters of GDP growth. He stressed the expansion of public employment programs and described employment creation as the top priority under the government of national unity.

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The President said that more than 2.5 million opportunities have been created through the Presidential Employment Incentive since its launch, primarily benefiting young people and women. However, for some, the President's speech is ambitious but falls short in making a meaningful impact in the lives of Alex job seekers.
SA Job Seekers Movement founder Mush Raltjena said the same priority of promoting inclusive growth and job creation was announced last year, but the unemployment rate was still very high. He said that his organization continues to receive CVs every day from job seekers who are in desperate need of job opportunities.

Ramaphosa acknowledged that many young people struggle to find their first job, and Raltjena agreed that this is the case for some job seekers in Alexandra, especially those with no skills. He said many youth lack adequate training or qualifications, with only a small proportion considered skilled. To tackle unemployment, the government also needs to give priority to launching targeted skill development programs to equip job seekers with low or no skills, he said.

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Another priority area the President touched upon includes poverty alleviation and tackling the high cost of living. Raltjena said residents struggle with poverty and inequality as a result of high unemployment. He argued that if the government finally tackled unemployment, it would tackle all. “If you deal with unemployment, you have dealt with poverty, not completely, but significantly, and inequality. We may not be equal in terms of class, but at the end of the day, we will all have food.”

Raltjena acknowledged government initiatives such as the Presidential Employment Incentive, but noted that more intervention is needed to see the promises ultimately translate into employment gains for young people.

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