The Free State department of employment and labour is set to implement a range of interventions and collaborative programmes across the province over the next year as part of efforts to address the province’s growing unemployment crisis.
According to department spokesperson Teboho Thejane the department also plans to register 63,000 work-seekers and place at least 6,000 individuals into available employment and skills development opportunities. “These opportunities are intended to absorb registered work-seekers into various employment and skills development programmes,” said Thejane.
This comes after concerns raised by Mangaung residents following the release of the Quarterly Labour Force Survey for the first quarter of 2026, which ranked the Free State as the province with the second highest unemployment rate in the country, behind the Eastern Cape.
Thejane said the department is implementing several interventions and partnerships aimed at reducing unemployment, particularly among young people. These include internship and graduate placement programmes in partnership with institutions such as the Central University of Technology, SETAs, municipalities, TVET colleges, and private sector organisations.
The department is also facilitating Work Integrated Learning opportunities to help graduates gain workplace experience and improve their employability.
Skills development programmes are further being supported through the Unemployment Insurance Fund’s Labour Activation Programme, which provides training opportunities across the province.
Infrastructure projects, including SANRAL road construction and national road rehabilitation initiatives, are also contributing towards employment creation.
In addition, partnerships linked to the Expanded Public Works Programme, Presidential Employment Programme, and National Rural Youth Service Corps are assisting with the recruitment, training, and placement of young work-seekers. Thejane added sectors such as construction and agriculture have been identified as industries with significant potential for job creation.
He further noted the department continues to maintain strong working relationships with the office of the Premier, provincial government departments, municipalities, and the private sector to strengthen coordinated efforts aimed at stimulating employment opportunities throughout the Free State.
Clement Matroos
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