By Charmaine Ndlela
The Eastern Cape government says it will intensify skills development through targeted investments and strategic partnerships aimed at preparing young people for work in a modern economy.
Delivering his 2026 State of the Province Address (SOPA) in Bhisho on Thursday, Premier Oscar Mabuyane said the province remains committed to stimulating economic growth and tackling poverty and inequality.
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“Our province continues to work tirelessly to stimulate economic growth and push back against poverty and inequality,” he said.
However, Mabuyane acknowledged the grim picture painted by the latest Quarterly Labour Force Survey.
“We must confront the sobering reality reflected in the latest Quarterly Labour Force Survey results. Unemployment increased in our province when we lost 32,000 jobs in the fourth quarter of 2025,” he said.
Despite the losses, he pointed to sectors that showed resilience.
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