The Democratic Alliance (DA) will take its JobsConnectEC campaign to Graaff-Reinet on Thursday as part of its ongoing effort to connect Eastern Cape job seekers with practical tools, training, and real employment opportunities.
JobsConnectEC, a DA driven initiative, was launched last year in Gqeberha as a community-focused programme aimed at addressing the province’s severe unemployment crisis by offering hands-on support to residents who are actively seeking work.
The Eastern Cape continues to face the highest unemployment levels in South Africa. The latest quarterly labour force survey shows that there are more people looking for work than employed in our province.
In rural areas like Graaff Reinet, roughly three out of five people, particularly young people, remain locked out of the economy despite having the willingness and potential to work.
JobsConnectEC is designed to bridge the gap between job seekers and opportunity. At the Graaff-Reinet event participants will receive guidance on compiling professional CVs, registering their skills, and preparing for interviews. They will also be able to access information about available training opportunities and job search resources.
A key component of the initiative is ensuring that job seekers leave with practical next steps rather than empty promises.
By bringing JobsConnectEC directly into communities such as Graaff-Reinet, the DA aims to ensure that smaller towns are not excluded from employment initiatives and that residents outside major urban centres also gain access to support and opportunities.
Through these engagements the programme is building a growing skills database and strengthening partnerships with businesses, training institutions, and youth employment services.
The DA remains committed to expanding initiatives that restore dignity through work and connect residents with the opportunities they deserve.