Lehohla calls on Eastern Cape to unlock economic potential

Former Statistician-General Dr. Pali Lehohla believes the Eastern Cape province has immense economic potential but has struggled to break free from its historical role as a labour-sending region. Addressing the Eastern Cape Provincial Economic Stakeholders Session in Kukuman City, Lehohla highlighted unemployment and a stagnant economy as major challenges facing the province.

The recently released Quarterly Labour Force Survey showed that unemployment in the Eastern Cape skyrocketed to 75%, up from 44%, solidifying South Africa's highest unemployment rate. Lehohla attributed slow growth to urban migration driven by economic opportunities, noting that the province has historically exported its workforce, from mining industries to politics and manufacturing, without retaining economic value.

Furthermore, Lehohla disclosed that Eastern Cape's agricultural sector has also lost its chance to produce food for its people, further limiting economic growth in the region.