Note to Editors: Please note Hannah Lidgett, MPL sound bite in English
The latest Statistics South Africa (StatsSA) Quarterly Labour Force Survey (QLFS) paints an optimistic picture for KwaZulu-Natal’s (KZN) labour market, with a notable decrease in unemployment and a steady rise in employment across several key sectors, including construction, agriculture and community services.
Between the second and third quarters of 2025, KZN recorded an increase of 54 000 jobs – one of the highest gains in the country, following the Western Cape and Gauteng. This positive movement is an encouraging sign that confidence is returning to our province’s economy under the Government of Provincial Unity (GPU).
Of particular significance is the improvement within KZN’s construction sector. With the DA’s Martin Meyer, MPL having taken up this charge as KZN Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) MEC, this sector’s improvement is testament to the DA’s ability to deliver.
Construction in KZN has shown quarter-on-quarter growth, underscoring the success of infrastructure-led recovery efforts and DPWI programmes that are beginning to create tangible employment opportunities. This a positive indication within an industry that supports thousands of small contractors and artisans across the province
KZN’s gains reflect more than just numbers – they represent renewed confidence in the collaborative leadership and stability brought about by the GPU, of which the DA is a committed partner. Through focused interventions in public infrastructure, skills development, and community upliftment, the GPU is delivering on its promise to restore trust and opportunity in KZN’s economy.
Where the DA governs, job creation is witnessed. Testament to this is the fact that the DA-led Western Cape remains the national leader in job creation, adding 70 000 new jobs in the last quarter alone.
KZN’s positive labour trends show that when leadership prioritises delivery, collaboration and accountability, jobs follow. The GPU will continue to build on this momentum as we work to sustain growth and create jobs for the residents of our province.