IN CONVERSATION WITH PALESA DiKGETSI, COPE’s Acting National Chairperson
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South Africa is facing a deepening socio-economic crisis marked by
rising unemployment, poverty, and economic hardship affecting millions
of citizens. While political attention has often been drawn to high-profile
issues such as the Phala Phala matter, impeachment discussions, and
the Madlanga Commission, many South Africans continue to grapple
with more urgent daily challenges, including joblessness, food
insecurity, and financial instability.
Recent labour market statistics for the first quarter of 2026 highlight the
severity of the situation. The country recorded approximately 345,000
job losses between January and March 2026. This has pushed the
number of unemployed South Africans to over 8.1 million, with the
official unemployment rate increasing to 32.7%. The expanded
unemployment rate has risen to 43.7%, while youth unemployment has
reached a critical 45.8%.
These figures reflect a worsening economic reality affecting individuals
and households across the country. Graduates remain without
employment opportunities, families struggle to meet basic needs, and
small businesses continue to close. In many communities, these
09:35
conditions contribute to growing cycles of poverty, crime, substance
abuse, and social instability.
The Congress of the People argues that there is an increasing
disconnect between political discourse and the lived experiences of
ordinary South Africans. According to the party, national debates
remain focused on political and constitutional issues, while the
economic crisis continues to escalate.
While COPE acknowledges the importance of constitutional
accountability and ethical governance, it emphasizes that these issues
must not overshadow urgent economic challenges. The party warns
that continued inaction risks further deterioration of the economy and
long-term damage to future generations.
COPE calls for an urgent and coordinated national economic recovery
programme focused on job creation, support for small businesses,
infrastructure development, skills training, industrial expansion, and the
growth of township and rural economies. The party further stresses the
need for practical, results-driven interventions rather than ongoing
political debate.
COPE argues that South Africa’s most pressing national emergency is
not only political instability but the escalating crisis of unemployment,
which requires immediate and decisive government action.
rising unemployment, poverty, and economic hardship affecting millions
of citizens. While political attention has often been drawn to high-profile
issues such as the Phala Phala matter, impeachment discussions, and
the Madlanga Commission, many South Africans continue to grapple
with more urgent daily challenges, including joblessness, food
insecurity, and financial instability.
Recent labour market statistics for the first quarter of 2026 highlight the
severity of the situation. The country recorded approximately 345,000
job losses between January and March 2026. This has pushed the
number of unemployed South Africans to over 8.1 million, with the
official unemployment rate increasing to 32.7%. The expanded
unemployment rate has risen to 43.7%, while youth unemployment has
reached a critical 45.8%.
These figures reflect a worsening economic reality affecting individuals
and households across the country. Graduates remain without
employment opportunities, families struggle to meet basic needs, and
small businesses continue to close. In many communities, these
09:35
conditions contribute to growing cycles of poverty, crime, substance
abuse, and social instability.
The Congress of the People argues that there is an increasing
disconnect between political discourse and the lived experiences of
ordinary South Africans. According to the party, national debates
remain focused on political and constitutional issues, while the
economic crisis continues to escalate.
While COPE acknowledges the importance of constitutional
accountability and ethical governance, it emphasizes that these issues
must not overshadow urgent economic challenges. The party warns
that continued inaction risks further deterioration of the economy and
long-term damage to future generations.
COPE calls for an urgent and coordinated national economic recovery
programme focused on job creation, support for small businesses,
infrastructure development, skills training, industrial expansion, and the
growth of township and rural economies. The party further stresses the
need for practical, results-driven interventions rather than ongoing
political debate.
COPE argues that South Africa’s most pressing national emergency is
not only political instability but the escalating crisis of unemployment,
which requires immediate and decisive government action.
