A high-level Labour Market Symposium convened in East London this week, bringing together a broad spectrum of stakeholders to address the Eastern Cape's pressing unemployment crisis. The event, co-convened by the Eastern Cape Socio Economic Consultative Council (ECSECC), the Eastern Cape Department of Education, and the Eastern Cape Human Resources Development Council, under the theme; "Map Alternative Pathways into Labour Market".

The strategic gathering saw participation from MECs, mayors, prominent business leaders, partners from institutions of higher learning, and various other government officials. Their collective focus was on shaping a coordinated and effective response to the challenges faced by job seekers in the province.

Opening the symposium, Eastern Cape Premier Lubabalo Oscar Mabuyane highlighted the stark reality of the province's unemployment rate, with youth particularly affected. He stressed that the statistics represent the real struggles of young people and underscored the urgent need to dismantle barriers hindering their access to economic opportunities.

Moreover, the Premier emphasized the need to align training with future job demands driven by technology and called for stronger partnerships between colleges and businesses.

Participants engaged in robust discussions, sharing crucial insights and solidifying their commitment to developing and implementing the practical interventions necessary to open access and equip the province's workforce with the skills and opportunities required for success in the evolving labour market.