South Africa's Forestry Department announces 121,059 new jobs over five years
The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment has committed to creating fore121,059 work opportunities over the next five years.
Minister Dr Dion George made the announcement this week, describing the initiative as central to South Africa’s green growth and just transition.
The programme, driven through the Expanded Public Works Programme, is expected to generate more than 77,000 full-time jobs.
“Every government decision must be judged by whether it creates work. In our department, we can say with confidence that our programmes do exactly that. They provide jobs today while building the skills South Africa needs tomorrow,” George said.
60% of the opportunities will go to women, 55% to youth, and 2% to persons with disabilities.
George highlighted projects such as Youth Environmental Services, Youth Jobs in Waste, and Environmental Monitors, which are providing training and career pathways in biodiversity conservation, aquaculture, waste management, and renewable energy.
He added that the National Employment Vulnerability Assessment ensures workers in traditional sectors such as coal, metals, petroleum, agriculture, and tourism are supported with resilience plans to participate in the new economy.
“This makes the country’s just transition practical, not abstract,” he said.
George also pointed to rising investment in sustainability projects.
“Every new solar panel, every waste separation project, every environmental monitor we train is more than a line in a report. It is dignity, it is work, it is a future for families across South Africa,” he said.
He concluded that the department’s focus is not only on job numbers but also on preparing participants for long-term employment.
“Our programmes show that climate action and job creation are the same project. South Africa’s largest jobs initiative is not in spite of sustainability. It is green growth itself,” George said.
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