South Africa's unemployment crisis is deepening, with the latest Quarterly Labour Force Survey showing the official unemployment rate rising to 33.6%, while the expanded rate stands at 43.8%. A further 345,000 people have joined the ranks of the unemployed, while overall employment has declined. COSATU says these figures are more than just statistics, they are evidence of an economic crisis that demands urgent and decisive action. The federation is calling for a major stimulus package, investment in public and municipal services, support for SMMEs, infrastructure investment and an expansion of public employment programmes. We spoke to Matthew Parks, Cosatu Parliamentary Coordinator.