A government official in South Africa has claimed that unemployment rate in the country is now the highest in the world, rising to 32.1% in the fourth quarter of 2023.It says that the number of jobless south africans working-age rose to 7.9 million after 46,000 more became unemployed in the last three months of 2023, increasing from 31.9%.
The development came as a serback to the ruling African National Congress party who faces its toughest challenge ever in a few months as the elections will be held.
Unemployment between the ages of 15-24 was 59.4percent last year in wake of Africa’s most advanced economy continued to suffer in creating jobs for young population which has become a concerned for key voters.
ANC gained power during the disintegration of the apartheid system of white minority rule in 1994 but its support has drastically reduced in the last 30 years, because of its lack the power create jobs, housing and services to millions.
Stats has shown that the ANC will likely have below 50% of the vote in the general elections, an event that mark an historical situation in the countrys politics.
Provided ANC loses its majority, then it would be force to form allegiance with other parties to stay in power in a bid to retain President Cyril Ramaphosa second term bid.
Reassons why the thus years election looks to be intriguing is that an allegiance has never been witnessed at the national level in South Africa which will likely end the power of the party once led by Nelson Mandela. The writing has first shown on the wall for the ANC in local elections in 2021 when it had less than 50% during a vote.
With no date for this year’s election yet, agitators are of the opinion that it should come sometimes in May and August as the Democratic Alliance, is also seeking ways to form alliance with smaller parties, in the hope to force out the ANC completely.
