Unemployment benefits extended

“To support those who lose their jobs in difficult times, Minister Oliphant has introduced proposals to extend unemployment benefits from 238 days to 365 days, on condition that claimants are actively seeking work,” Gordhan said.  

Job creation remains a central priority of the National Development Plan (NDP), he said.

“Since the low-point of the 2009 recession, employment has increased by about 1.3 million, but unemployment of 24% of the work force is still far too high,” he said.

His (and the government’s) strategy for job creation include stepping up the implementation of the expanded public works programme and implementing the Community Work Programme in every municipality by 2017.

Youth employment

The youth employment tax incentive forms part of the government’s plans to create jobs.

“The youth employment tax incentive was introduced this year and recorded 56 000 beneficiaries in its first month,” said Gordhan.

Special economic zones

The establishment of special economic zones, industrial iincentives and support for agriculture and labour-intensive sectors is another part of the job creation plan.

Skills

Gordhan also emphasised the need for more skills development.

“Ramping up skills development and further education and training programmes must take place,” he said.

He sees Jobs Fund partnerships between the private and public sector as another good approach as well as support for small and medium enterprises.

“Billions of rand have been allocated to these programmes,” said Gordhan.