Ekurhuleni is tops in job creation, survey shows

It’s been a strong year for job creation in Ekurhuleni, which has beaten all other SA metros, it said yesterday.

This was shown by the recent quarterly labour force survey on the employment situation for the second quarter of 2017 and final quarter of the financial year, Ekurhuleni spokesperson Themba Gadebe said.

“The report reflects the annual employment gains in six met- ropolitan municipalities, with the largest increase in Ekurhuleni (98 000), followed by Cape Town (63 000) and eThekwini (58 000),” he said.

Compared with the same period last year, employment decreases were recorded in two metropolitan municipalities, namely Joburg (30 000) and Mangaung (4 000).

Another important trend was the decreased number of discouraged job-seekers. This fell by 11 000, meaning that people were hopeful about finding work. Many of those who had stayed in the labour market had been able to find work, Gadebe said.

Ekurhuleni mayor Mzwandile Masina said the city would continue to facilitate a favourable environment for job-creation through its 10-point plan.

The plan includes manufacturing revitalisation; aerotropolis masterplan implementation; acceleration of the special economic zone programme; making land available for strategic development; support of small and medium enterprises through public procurement; implementation of the township economy strategy; an enabling public transport system; public infrastructure investment; promoting localisation; and production and skills and capability development. – ANA