Deputy Speaker, the DA is encouraged by the findings of the Manpower Employment Outlook Survey, conducted by a leading international employment agency, which shows that the jobs outlook in the DA-controlled Western Cape and Cape Town for employers is the best in South Africa.
Based on interviews with a representative sample of 755 employers across the country, the survey finds that firms in the Western Cape have by far the most optimistic hiring plans of any province for the second quarter of 2011. The only DA-run province has a net employment outlook of +9%. This refers to the percentage of employers anticipating employment to increase, minus the percentage expecting to see a decrease in employment.
In contrast to the outlook in the Western Cape, the Eastern Cape has a net employment outlook of -1%, Gauteng 4%, KwaZulu-Natal 3% and the Free State 5%. The survey in question, which is carried out on a quarterly basis in 39 countries, has established an impressive track record in predicting near future job growth. It measures expected national job growth but also regional variations in the job growth within each country and has accurately forecast South African employment trends in the past.
The findings of this survey are encouraging news for the people of the Western Cape. The survey shows that the province's strategy of removing constraints to economic growth is generating new employment opportunities and combating poverty. Relative to those in the other provinces, Western Cape job seekers are beginning to enjoy the fruits of a provincial administration focused on the creation of jobs and opportunities for all.
As the DA grows and governs in more places, it will be able to implement the same job-creating opportunities elsewhere. I thank you. [Applause.]