ZAThe City of Cape Town remains the economic engine of the Western Cape, contributing 72% of the region's GDP and 62.8% of its employment in 2024, according to the 2025/26 Municipal Economic Review and Outlook (MERO) report. Despite this, the metro faced 24,125 job losses and had an unemployment rate of 25.2%. Provincial Treasury economist Ashley Rasool emphasized that while the tertiary sector (transport, storage, communication, finance) drives the economy, the secondary sector, manufacturing and construction, is critical for future growth. Manufacturing has seen minimal contribution since 2021, and construction is expected to contract. Rasool warned that without addressing labor absorption and skills development, especially among lower-skilled workers, the economy risks further instability.
Bias read (Center): The article presents data and expert analysis without overt ideological slant. While it highlights challenges facing the economy, particularly in manufacturing and construction, it does not take a clear partisan stance. The focus is on economic indicators and expert commentary rather than advocacy,儘
