Business Live reports that the cabinet has signed off on an ANC proposal that jobs in some sectors of the economy be reserved for SA citizens. This move is designed to tackle the country’s record unemployment rate.
Minister Aaron Motsoaledi, Department of Home Affairs (DHA) said on Sunday: “Every country in the world gives preferential treatment to citizens in terms of employment … What we are now doing is implementing existing laws and strengthening others. We are doing a disservice to ourselves and the whole of Africa if we continue to be a free for all. Foreigners in SA must be here legally, and businesses in SA must register all their workers.” He also explained that it was “ridiculous” that foreign companies operating in SA have a quota of hiring only 40% foreign nationals, but there were “no restrictions” on SA companies in terms of whom they could hire. According to the latest figures from Stats SA, the official unemployment rate is 34.9%, making SA one of the highest in the world and adding pressure on the ANC to come up with policies that will keep voters on its side.
Read the full report on Business Live
