The Gauteng Provincial Government (GPG) has dismissed criticism by the Democratic Alliance (DA) over rising unemployment in the province, accusing the opposition party of ignoring ongoing youth development and job creation initiatives.
In a statement, the provincial government rejected what it described as “misleading and opportunistic claims” by the DA that Premier Panyaza Lesufi had failed to create a conducive environment for employment, particularly among young people.
The response follows recent criticism from the DA after the release of the latest Quarterly Labour Force Survey, which showed Gauteng’s unemployment rate had increased to 34.1%.
According to the provincial government, the DA has ignored several large-scale interventions aimed at tackling youth unemployment through skills development, entrepreneurship and investment attraction.
The GPG highlighted a recent certification ceremony attended by Lesufi, where more than 3,000 young people graduated from accredited skills development and training programmes designed to prepare them for the labour market.
The programmes were implemented in partnership with institutions including the Sci-Bono Discovery Centre, the Matthew Goniwe School of Leadership and Governance, the South African Institute of Electrical Engineers, the National Home Builders Registration Council and the Electrical Contractors’ Association of South Africa.
Graduates received training in sectors such as technology, artisan development, digital skills, entrepreneurship and construction, which the province identified as key industries for economic growth and employment creation.
The provincial government said the interventions form part of broader programmes that include township economic development, Schools of Specialisation, investment promotion initiatives and partnerships with the private sector.
It also defended the controversial Nasi iSpani programme, saying it had created both temporary and long-term employment opportunities for thousands of young people through internships, stipends, on-the-job training and placements in government departments.
The government further argued that Gauteng continues to attract investment despite criticism from the DA. According to the statement, the province secured more than R205.6 billion in new investment pledges this year, exceeding its R200 billion target.
This follows the 2025 investment conference, which secured R312.5 billion in commitments, bringing Gauteng’s two-year cumulative investment total to over R518 billion. Of that amount, R73 billion has reportedly moved into implementation, creating approximately 114,000 jobs across multiple sectors.
The provincial government accused the DA of contradicting its own long-standing economic position that the private sector should drive economic growth and employment creation.
“Youth unemployment remains a national challenge that requires collective action and responsible leadership, not political point-scoring,” the statement said.
The Gauteng government reiterated its commitment to tackling unemployment through education, investment attraction, economic transformation and skills development aimed at ensuring young people participate meaningfully in the province’s economy.
