By Anita Dangazele
- DA Leader Dr Vicky Knoetze says the Eastern Cape has the highest unemployment rate in South Africa, with 42.5% of people out of work.
- Knoetze is calling on Premier Oscar Mabuyane to present firm, measurable plans when he delivers his State of the Province Address in Bhisho on Thursday.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) says 2026 is a make-or-break year for the Eastern Cape, and Premier Oscar Mabuyane must not deliver another empty speech.
Dr Vicky Knoetze, Leader of the Official Opposition in the Eastern Cape Legislature, says families across the province are asking simple questions. Do they have an income? Are they safe? Can they rely on water, electricity and decent roads?
“At a time when unemployment is rising, crime is spiralling, and service delivery is collapsing, it is a make-or-break year, and the people of this province cannot afford another speech that avoids reality,” she said.
The latest Quarterly Labour Force Survey shows the Eastern Cape has the highest unemployment rate in the country. Official unemployment stands at 42.5%. Using the expanded definition, it rises to 51.4%. In rural areas, it reaches 61.2%.
Over the past year, 79,000 jobs were lost in the province. Knoetze says economic stagnation, poor governance and failing local services have weakened growth and opportunity.
Crime is also a major concern. In one quarter alone, 1,270 murders and 1,871 rapes were recorded in the province. Kidnappings are also on the rise.
Sixteen municipalities have been classified as distressed. The roads maintenance backlog stands at R30-billion, and the school infrastructure backlog stands at R72-billion. Public healthcare facilities face shortages and financial problems.
Knoetze is calling for a funded plan to fix roads, full spending of conditional grants, a water supply master plan and steps to stabilise struggling municipalities.
“These are the measures by which the people will judge this year’s address,” she said.
Pictured above: Dr Vicky Knoetze, Leader of the Official Opposition in the Eastern Cape Legislature.
Image source: Supplied