ANCYL leader Collen Malatji has warned of potential youth unrest and calls for urgent action.
THE African National Congress Youth League (ANCYL) has declared Mzansi’s unemployment crisis a disaster that needs to be addressed quickly.
Speaking during a media briefing at the ANC’s headquarters in Joburg on Wednesday, 3 September, ANCYL leader Collen Malatji said if the country’s severe unemployment crisis is not addressed, it could lead to widespread youth unrest, with potentially dire economic consequences.
Malatji highlighted issues that the party’s youth league will be tackling as it celebrates its 80th anniversary.
“South Africa’s population has increased from 7,6 million in 1924 to 60 million in 2024, an increase of 689,5%, necessitating a proportional increase in job opportunities to prevent high levels of unemployment.
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“Failure to match economic growth with population increases can result in significant economic and social issues,” said Malatji.
He said unemployment is particularly severe, with over 70% of South Africa’s youth currently out of work, leading to frustration and protests.
He slammed current government policies, stating they are failing to effectively link economic growth with the labour market’s capacity to absorb workers.
“Therefore, there’s a need for policies that foster both economic growth and job creation.”
The Youth League president reiterated the call against privatisation of State-Owned Enterprises, including those that are struggling.
“The ANCYL is firm that there should be no privatisation of the State-Owned Enterprises and that rather, we must change the business model of our SOEs to serve their development mandate, particularly in the commanding heights of our economy.”
“Eskom and Transnet play a critical role in the input cost across the economy. South African youths need jobs, and we’re saying the only way to create jobs is to industrialise the South African economy,” said Malatjie.
Speaking on corruption, he stated that they maintain a firm stance that those charged with corruption must be removed from government positions until their names are cleared.
He said if these individuals are ANC members, they must face internal disciplinary measures and be subjected to legal action.
“The ANCYL calls for a zero-tolerance approach to corruption in government and the private sector. We won’t tolerate any attempts to shield corrupt individuals from accountability, regardless of their position or influence,” he said.
“The fight against corruption is not only about punishing wrongdoers but also about restoring the integrity of our institutions and ensuring public resources are used for the benefit of all South Africans.”
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