ActionSA Limpopo Provincial Chairperson, Victor Mothemelela.
ActionSA, a political party, has raised alarm over the high unemployment rate in Limpopo, especially among young people and women.
The party blames political favouritism and poor use of the province’s mineral resources for the crisis.
Victor Mothemelela, ActionSA’s Provincial Chairperson, said unemployment in Limpopo is at a crisis level. Nationally, unemployment stands at 42.6%, but in Limpopo, over 60% of young people have no jobs. He said this is not just an economic problem but a result of bad governance, corruption, and political interference.
Political Favouritism Blocks Jobs
Mothemelela explained that many qualified young people and women struggle to find work because government jobs often go to politically connected individuals. This practice, called cadre deployment, has weakened state institutions and left communities without proper services.
ActionSA demands an end to this system. Instead, they want a merit-based hiring system where people are employed based on skills, not political loyalty. The party believes this will improve service delivery and create opportunities for young professionals and female entrepreneurs.
Mineral Wealth Not Benefiting Locals
Limpopo is rich in minerals like platinum, chrome, iron ore, and coal, but most of these resources are exported raw, without processing. This means thousands of high-paying jobs in manufacturing and engineering are lost to other countries.
ActionSA wants the government to change this by building local processing plants in areas like the Sekhukhune District. These plants would create jobs in mining, engineering, and logistics. The party also wants policies that give women and young people priority in skills training and business opportunities linked to mining.
A Call for Urgent Change
Mothemelela said Limpopo’s people can no longer wait for a government that puts politics before progress. ActionSA is pushing for two major changes:
* End political favouritism in government hiring.
* Process minerals locally to create jobs and grow the economy.
The party believes these steps will help reduce unemployment and lift communities out of poverty. They have vowed to keep fighting for a fairer economy where all citizens benefit from Limpopo’s wealth.