The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Gauteng has sharply criticised Premier Panyaza Lesufi’s administration following the release of the latest Quarterly Labour Force Survey (QLFS), which shows that more than 2.6 million residents in the province are unemployed.
According to the QLFS, Gauteng’s unemployment rate increased by 1.1 percentage points to 34.1% in the first quarter of 2026, while the province lost approximately 67,000 jobs during the period.
DA Gauteng Shadow MEC for Economic Development Mike Moriarty said the figures reflect the failure of the provincial government’s economic and employment initiatives.
“Premier Panyaza Lesufi’s employment initiatives are failing,” Moriarty said.
The DA argued that Gauteng’s worsening unemployment crisis is linked to the provincial government’s inability to create an environment conducive to private investment and sustainable economic growth.
According to Moriarty, ongoing crime, infrastructure collapse and service delivery failures have discouraged businesses from investing in the province.
“No business can invest in a province facing a continuous water and electricity crisis,” Moriarty said.
He cited several major companies that have either downsized operations or exited Gauteng entirely, including British American Tobacco South Africa, which reportedly closed its Heidelberg manufacturing plant due to weak law enforcement and the growth of illicit trade.
The party also referenced ArcelorMittal South Africa’s phased shutdown plans in Vereeniging, announced in 2023, as well as downsizing by Ford Motor Company at its Silverton Assembly Plant in Pretoria.
Moriarty has proposed restructuring the Gauteng Department of Economic Development into a “think tank” focused on engaging economic and job creation experts to stimulate investment and expand economic activity.
“We would also engage with the various spheres of government on infrastructure investment to facilitate economic activity. This would also be a direct investment in the economy and the construction industry and assist in creating more jobs,” Moriarty added.
It also suggested repurposing the Gauteng Growth and Development Agency to mirror the model used by Wesgro, which the DA described as more successful in attracting investment and supporting job creation.
Moriarty further called for increased infrastructure investment and reduced red tape to encourage business growth and employment creation.
“The DA is the only party that can grow the Gauteng economy,” Moriarty said, adding that a DA-led provincial government would work directly with businesses to identify and remove obstacles to investment.
