Ramaphosa vows to ‘put more South Africans to work’
ANC President Cyril Ramaphosa vowed on Saturday to bring down the unemployment rate should the party remain in power for the next five years.
He addressed scores of ANC supporters at the party’s Siyanqoba Rally at FNB Stadium in Soweto.
It was the governing party’s final election rally before the elections on 29 May.
Ramaphosa said that during their campaigning, they found that unemployment was a big issue for voters.
"Throughout this campaign, in the homes of our people, in the workplaces where our people work, in the streets of our towns, townships and villages, we have met mothers and fathers, grandparents and young people. So many told us of their struggles to find work and to provide for their families so that they can live in dignity and pride."
"Many told us how grateful they were for social grants that support their children so that they can put bread on their table.
Ramaphosa says it was particularly clear that young people are struggling to find employment.
Out of a population of 62 million, 32.9 percent are unemployed -- far more than when the ANC came into power -- and 28 million rely on welfare grants to survive.
The rise of unemployment has been fuelled by the country's almost stagnant economy over the last decade and only grew 0.6% in 2023.
"Born frees", young people born post-apartheid, are the largest victims of the jobless rate, with youth unemployment sitting at more than 40%.
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