For a province that has faced severe weather disruptions, pressure on infrastructure and difficulties in the agricultural sector, the latest employment numbers offer some encouragement. Several weather events caused damage to infrastructure and affected agricultural operations, with agriculture remaining an important contributor to the Western Cape economy. Western Cape Premier Alan Winde welcomed the decline in unemployment but acknowledged that more work is needed. ActionSA raises alarm over national jobs pictureWhile the Western Cape figures provide some positive news, the national unemployment numbers have triggered criticism from opposition parties. The party used the latest unemployment figures to renew its call for changes to the national government’s economic and employment leadership.