The Member of the Executive Council (MEC) for Finance, Economic Development and Tourism, Ms. Blennies-Magage, has expressed her enthusiasm regarding the latest employment figures for the Northern Cape. According to the Quarterly Labour Force Survey (QLFS) for the fourth quarter of 2024, released by Statistics South Africa, the province has experienced encouraging developments in its labor market.

Key Highlights from the QLFS Q4: 2024 Report:

1. Significant Reduction in Unemployment Rate:
   • The official unemployment rate in the Northern Cape decreased from 30.4% in Q3:2024 to 27.4% in Q4:2024, marking a 3.0 percentage point decline—the largest drop among all provinces.
   • The expanded unemployment rate, which includes discouraged job seekers, also saw a reduction of 3.4 percentage points, bringing it down to 39.7%.
2. Growth in Employment:
   • The province added 18,000 jobs between Q3 and Q4 of 2024, increasing the total number of employed individuals from 337,000 to 355,000—the highest ever recorded by the province.
   • This 5.3% rise in employment underscores the province’s commitment to job creation and economic development, driven by the various intervention measures undertaken by the provincial government.
3. Sectoral Employment Gains:
   • Employment growth was observed across several sectors, reflecting a diversified economy and the province’s ongoing efforts to attract investment and support sustainable industries.
4. Improvement in Youth Employment:
   • The youth unemployment rate (ages 15-34) saw a significant decline from 44.7% in Q3 to 36.3% in Q4.
   • The most substantial improvement was seen in the 15-24 age group, where unemployment dropped from 57.1% to 42.8%, marking a 14.3 percentage point decrease.
   • For the 25-34 age group, unemployment decreased by 5.7 percentage points, from 38.9% to 33.2%.
5. Sectoral Employment Gains:
   • Mining: While employment in the mining sector remained stable at 39,000 in Q4, it showed an increase compared to the same quarter in 2023 (33,000). This growth is attributed to increased demand for minerals and continued investment in the sector, which remains a cornerstone of the Northern Cape’s economy. However, challenges such as fluctuating global commodity prices and regulatory changes may impact future employment trends.
   • Finance: The financial sector showed robust growth, rising from 37,000 to 49,000 employed individuals, indicating diversification beyond traditional industries. This increase reflects growing business activities, investment in financial services, and higher demand for skilled professionals.
   • Trade: The trade sector saw a steady increase from 54,000 to 58,000 in Q4, reflecting higher consumer spending and resilience in the retail sector. This growth is influenced by seasonal demand, tourism-related activities, and increased economic confidence among consumers.
   • Construction: The sector saw a decline from 26,000 to 19,000, indicating a possible slowdown in infrastructure projects, with reduced government and private sector investments in housing, roads, and public facilities.
   • Community and Social Services: Employment in this sector declined significantly from 99,000 to 90,000, possibly due to budget constraints and shifting government priorities. Public sector employment reductions may affect service delivery and socioeconomic stability in the region

MEC Blennies-Magage attributes these positive trends to the strong collaboration between the provincial government, private sector, and community stakeholders.

She emphasized that initiatives aimed at driving economic growth, skills development, and investment attraction are beginning to yield tangible results,
contributing to the province’s success. “These promising figures reflect our unwavering commitment to creating sustainable employment opportunities and fostering economic growth in the Northern Cape. We will continue to build on this momentum to ensure that all residents benefit from the growth and development of our province,” said MEC Blennies-Magage.

While celebrating these gains, MEC Blennies-Magage also acknowledges the challenges that remain, particularly the need to address gender disparities in employment and support sectors that have not yet experienced the same growth. The provincial government remains focused on implementing inclusive policies that promote equal opportunities for all citizens. In conclusion, the latest employment statistics for the Northern Cape signify a positive trajectory for the province’s labor market and overall economic health. The provincial government, under the leadership of Premier, Dr. Zamani Saul, is committed to sustaining and enhancing these gains through continued collaboration and strategic planning.

Kgalalelo Matsime
Media Liaison Officer
Ministry of Finance, Economic Development, and Tourism