By Anita Dangazele
- The latest Quarterly Labour Force Survey shows that the Eastern Cape lost 32,000 jobs in the fourth quarter of 2025.
- Premier Oscar Mabuyane also said 427 schools in the Eastern Cape still use unsafe pit toilets that risk children’s lives.
Unemployed doctors and dentists stood outside the Bhisho legislature on Thursday morning, demanding jobs. Inside, Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane delivered his state of the province address.
The province is facing a growing job crisis. The latest Quarterly Labour Force Survey shows the Eastern Cape lost 32,000 jobs in the fourth quarter of 2025.
Mabuyane said trade, utilities and private households showed small signs of growth. But heavy losses in agriculture, finance and other sectors wiped out those gains.
“Despite these difficult statistics, we remain steadfast in our commitment to reverse this trend,” he said.
Mabuyane said 14,696 people are already part of a labour activation programme run by the Department of Employment and Labour. The province plans to add 8,300 more people in 2026.
The government will focus on skills transfer, entrepreneurship, digital skills, the green economy and artisan training. Mabuyane also pointed to e-commerce and delivery services as possible job opportunities for young people.
Mabuyane also faced pressure over schools. He admitted that 427 schools in the province still use unsafe pit toilets.
“These toilets pose a serious risk to the lives of pupils,” he said.
The province plans to remove 300 pit toilets this financial year. Less than a year ago, the province missed its deadline to remove unsafe pit toilets at nearly 100 schools.
Mabuyane said 25 new schools were completed in 2025, with another 57 to be finished and handed over in 2026.
He also announced R416-million for upgrades at Nelson Mandela Academic Hospital in Mthatha. A new cancer unit will be completed before the end of the year.
The province has also opened a new in vitro fertilisation clinic in Mthatha, one of only four public health facilities in South Africa.
Pictured above: Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane delivering his state of the province address on Thursday.
Image source: Eastern Cape Office of the Premier
Scrolla Auto Uploader
scrolla.africa
