<\/p>\n
There have again been calls to rebuild and strengthen South Africa\u2019s local manufacturing capacity following reports of the latest unemployment figures, which expose a deepening and worrying crisis.<\/p>\n
South Africa\u2019s unemployment rate ticked up from 31.4% at the end of 2025 to 32.7% in the first quarter of 2026 \u2013 which was more than expected.<\/p>\n
Job losses in construction and community services put these sectors among those that further weakened the labour market.<\/p>\n
Read: South Africa jobless rate rises before Iran war fallout hits<\/p>\n
In the absence of the 3% economic growth needed to drive job creation, the staggering figures released by Statistics SA have again raised questions about the (extraordinary) measures needed to address joblessness.<\/p>\n
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CONTINUE READING BELOW<\/p>\n
In this debut episode of the Mzansi Business podcast, Sicelo Masuku \u2013 technical and standards executive at the South African Institute of Professional Accountants (Saipa) \u2013 joins us to discuss how feasible it is for\u00a0small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to help drive jobs back into the economy. For this to happen, Masuku says localisation is the key.<\/p>\n
\u201cFrom a manufacturing perspective, we need to look at the things we import into the country and see if they can be made in the country.<\/p>\n
\u201cA manufacturing plant can easily employ 100 people,\u201d he says.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe can import the raw material, like in the automotive industry where they import semi-finished material, and then we assemble it within the country.\u201d<\/p>\n
But Masuku notes that it\u2019s not just about the numbers, but it\u2019s also about quality and sustainability.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
You can also listen to this podcast on iono.fm\u00a0here.<\/p>\n
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CONTINUE READING BELOW<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s also not just about funding; it\u2019s also about the educational element to build a suitable product,\u201d he adds.<\/p>\n
\u201cOnce the product is sustainable, it will translate into revenue. The revenue will translate to adding one employee [who] will have a job that is sustained.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s not just about employing a person; it\u2019s about ensuring that they earn a living through that employment.\u201d<\/p>\n
Masuku believes creating employment opportunities can\u2019t be left to business alone, adding that government must play its part in ensuring a conducive operating environment with a strong policy front.<\/p>\n
Read\/listen:
Manufacturing is leaving \u2013 and policy uncertainty is not helping
The case for localisation in SA\u2019s retail sector
Small businesses that go green could make a big impact in SA
New threat to SA\u2019s waning automotive manufacturing strength
First signs of SA auto industry deindustrialising, warns Toyota CEO<\/p>\n
#Localisation #lifeline #manufacturing #rescue #SAs #jobs #crisis<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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