Unemployment in Nelson Mandela Bay in the last quarter of 2016 dropped to just below 30% - and the Democratic Alliance-led coalition in the Metro is claiming the credit.
"In just 6 months, this DA-led coalition government has rolled out numerous employment programmes, restored business's trust in the administration and finalised a partnership with a cutting edge organisation that will accelerate job creation through a dedicated desk in the Mayor's Office," Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Development, Tourism and Urban Agriculture, Councillor Andrew Whitfield said in a statement released yesterday.
He said they were so determined to grow this economy and change the face of the Metro, that they had taken the issue of the manganese ore facility and fuel tank farm directly to the CEO of Transnet, Mr Siyabonga Gama. "The Mayor, in collaboration with my office, wrote Mr Gama a letter requesting an urgent meeting to discuss the proposed waterfront precinct, cooperation between the Municipality and Transnet, and timelines for relocation," Whitfield said. "It is this level of forward-thinking and responsive governance that has brought unemployment in Nelson Mandela Bay down to below 30%, as outlined in today's release of the fourth quarter labour force stats. With unemployment in the Metro now standing at 29.6%, it is clear that our City's fortunes are changing. For the first time, government and residents have a common goal which sees Nelson Mandela Bay as one of the country's leading municipalities.
Whitfield added that investor confidence was steadily rising and tourism was beginning to flourish, evidenced by the recent summer season which saw unprecedented numbers of people visit the city. "As a result of flawless inter-departmental coordination, there were no major incidents or drownings, making it the most successful summer season yet."
He added that the administration's Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) was well underway with approximately 1,000 residents employed in various jobs across the city since August. "By June, we would like to have employed an additional 2,000 residents in the EPWP," Whitfield said. "In real terms, between October and December 2016, the number of unemployed residents reduced by 4000, despite a stagnating national economy," he added.
