Cape Town – ActionSA has raised concern over the latest Quarterly Labour Force Survey (QLFS), which shows that Johannesburg lost 28,000 jobs between April and June 2026.
In a statement ActionSA Joburg mayoral candidate Herman Mashaba said the figures highlighted the city’s worsening unemployment crisis and accused government of failing to provide a clear path towards economic growth and job creation.
“These figures are not merely statistics. They represent hundreds of thousands of families losing income, dignity and economic security,” Mashaba said.
He argued that rising unemployment was a sign of a broader leadership crisis, warning that continued job losses would deepen poverty among residents seeking sustainable livelihoods.
Mashaba said Johannesburg could not credibly continue to present itself as South Africa’s economic powerhouse while residents struggled to find employment and small businesses faced increasing pressure from the rising cost of doing business.
“Johannesburg needs a government that understands that jobs do not come from political slogans. The positive economic trajectory of a city is predicated on bold leadership that provides a clear plan for investment, safety and opportunity,” he said.
Mashaba pointed to his tenure as Johannesburg executive mayor between 2016 and 2019, claiming that his administration facilitated more than R17 billion in investment, which he said supported the creation of approximately 110,000 jobs during the 2018/19 financial year.
🚨HERMAN MASHABA WANTS TO BE JOBURG MAYOR FOR FREE!
Herman Mashaba says he won’t take a salary if elected Johannesburg mayor he’ll do the job on a voluntary basis.
A millionaire saying “I don’t need the money, I just want to fix Joburg”…
DO YOU BELIEVE HIM? 👀😂 pic.twitter.com/9zZsVvRvzv
— In A Nutshell🥜 (@Markosonke1) August 12, 2026
He also highlighted the insourcing of security guards and cleaners, saying more than 4,000 employees were moved into permanent positions with benefits. He said the Inner-City Rejuvenation Plan was expected to create more than 22,000 jobs during its construction phase.
Mashaba further pointed to the recruitment of 1,500 Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) officers as part of efforts to create employment while strengthening law enforcement.
“Through bold and decisive leadership, Johannesburg was on a path of economic growth, functioning infrastructure and ample investment. That came to a halt after the ANC and DA colluded against the interest of residents,” Mashaba said.
ActionSA is now calling on Johannesburg residents to consider the party as an alternative ahead of the local government elections.
The party says its #OperationFixJoburg campaign will focus on accelerating service delivery, restoring the rule of law and creating sustainable employment opportunities for residents.
“Now more than ever, residents should reflect on their living conditions and consider ActionSA as a viable alternative for their future,” Mashaba said.
Follow African Insider on Facebook, X and Instagram
Picture: X/@__Tshireletso_
For more African news, visit Africaninsider.com
Compiled by Glaan Sibuyi
