Ekurhuleni - The City of Ekurhuleni has had a strong year in terms of job creation, beating all South Africa’s metros, the city said on Sunday.
This is according to the recent quarterly labour force survey (QLFS) on the employment situation in South Africa for the second quarter of the 2017 calendar year and final quarter of the financial year, Ekurhuleni spokesman Themba Gadebe said.
"The report reflects that the annual employment gains observed in six metropolitan municipalities, with the largest increase in Ekurhuleni (98 000), followed by City of Cape Town (63 000) and eThekwini (58 000)," he said.
Compared to the same period last year, employment decreases were recorded in two metropolitan municipalities, namely the City of Johannesburg (30 000) and Mangaung (4000).
Another important trend, according to the survey was the decreased number of discouraged workers. The survey found this fell by 11 000. This meant that people were hopeful about finding work. Indeed, many of those who had stayed in the labour market had been able to find work, Gadebe said.
Ekurhuleni mayor Mzwandile Masina welcomed the survey, saying the city would continue to create a favourable environment that would create more sustainable jobs through its 10-point plan.
The city’s 10-point plan included manufacturing revitalisation; aerotropolis masterplan implementation; acceleration of the IDZ/SEZ (special economic zone) programme; land availability for strategic development; support of SMMEs through public procurement; implementation of the township economy strategy; an enabling public transport system; massive public infrastructure investment; promoting localisation and production; and skills and capability development, and workplace stabilisation.