The appointment of Mohale in this role has been received with great excitement by academics and those in the business sector. 

UFS Rector and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Francis Petersen, in a statement say Mohale’s extensive expertise and experience in leadership roles and contributions to the growth of many multinational companies, will certainly bring about meaningful changes and contribute to the stabilisation and growth of South Africa. 

Mohale was appointed as Chancellor of the University in June last year. 

With South Africa’s rising unemployment numbers and slow economic growth, expectations are high that Mohale’s appointment will bring much-needed relief. 

According to the latest Quarterly Labour Force Survey (QLFS),  unemployment in South Africa now stands at 34.4% with the Free State having the second-highest unemployment rate.

READ: FS records 2nd highest #unemployment

The statistics released last month for the second quarter of the year indicates that unemployment has increased by 1,8 percentage points with youth and women still the worst affected. 

Statistician-General, Risenga Maluleke, in his report also indicated that the number of discouraged job seekers has increased with 186 000 more discouraged workers recorded between the first and the second quarter of the year. 

The Eastern Cape recorded the highest official and expanded unemployment rates, followed by the Free State. Unemployment in the Eastern Cape now stands at 47.1% with 53% of the working population discouraged, followed by the Free State at 36.5% and 45.2% expanded unemployment. 

Whilst the government has acknowledged the scourge of unemployment and lack of job creation in the country, it has called on the business sector to lend a helping hand.

OFM News