The EFF's provincial chairperson, Mandisa Makenesi, says unemployment is currently at its peak in the province with 31.1% recorded in the last quarter. He says unemployment in the province is mainly dominated by young people. 

Whilst reacting to the metro’s 2022/23 controversial budget that was eventually adopted, Makenesi expressed that the EFF has rejected the budget as the municipality continuously ignores its duties and responsibilities of serving the people.

ALSO READ: Troubled metro finally adopt controversial budget

OFM News previously reported that at least 54 of the 100 council members voted in favour of the budget tabled by its mayor, Mxolisi Siyonzana, on Wednesday whilst in the past less than 50% voted for it. This, after allegations that some ANC councillors, who constitute the majority of the council with 51 members, did not vote for the budget as it failed on two occasions.

Meanwhile, Manekesi adds that the EFF in Mangaung has been calling on the metro to address questions on youth economic empowerment, which it continuously fail to do.

ALSO READ: FS records 2nd highest #unemployment

In 2021, the Free State had recorded the second highest official and expanded unemployment rates, led by the Eastern Cape. The results were revealed by the Statistician-General, Risenga Maluleke, in the Quarterly Labour Force Survey (QLFS), for the second quarter of 2021 during a media briefing in Tshwane last year.  

OFM News