Government to create six million jobs
During the much-anticipated State of the Nation Address, President Jacob Zuma has admitted that the unemployment rate in the country still remains high, but says six-million jobs will be created between now and 2019.
Zuma pointed out that although 3.7-m work opportunities have been created over the past five years, the issue of youth unemployment continues to be a matter of concern in the country, and throughout the world.
The President highlighted measures, which have been put in place to curb the rate of unemployment.
“The Employment Tax Incentive Act encourages employers to hire younger workers while regulations will be passed to ensure that this does not affect unsubsidised or older workers adversely.
“Further measures are contained in the National Youth Accord that was signed in Soweto last April,” he said.
Zuma praised the Expanded Public Works Programme and the Community Work Programme for their contribution to the fight against unemployment, calling them an “effective cushion for the poor and the youth”.
