HOW GNU WORSENED YOUTH'S PLIGHT

THE 46.1% unemployment rate among young people, the worst in the world, is proof that the Government of National Unity (GNU) has no plans to address the crisis, say political analysts. 

Monday marked 49 years since the 1976 Soweto Uprising where scores of youth protested against Afrikaans being enforced as the exclusive medium of instruction in African schools. 

Unemployment among young people dominated Monday’s commemoration, with questions being raised about the effectiveness of the GNU since its establishment about a year ago following the May 2024 elections.  

Young people between the ages of 15 and 34 make up just over half of South Africa’s working-age population, about 20.9 million people. 

The latest data from the Quarterly Labour Force Survey shows that more than half of young people aged between 18 and 34 are unemployed. Deputy President Paul Mashatile conceded on Monday that this is one of the highest levels the country has ever seen, and it is of grave concern

University of the Free State politics lecturer, Sanet Solomons said unemployment and access to quality education remained  a challenge as hundreds of schools remain understaffed and under-resourced. 

“This is detrimental to those that show promise as their environmental challenges will overshadow their capabilities, leaving them stuck in a cycle of poverty. To date thousands of graduates still have not managed to access the workforce; while some earn a minimum wage that can barely cover their household expenses amid the rising cost of living. Thus, reinforcing the sentiment that very few opportunities exist for this segment of society. Many expected a different outcome or better opportunities under a government of national unity, but these hopes have been dashed as the youth still struggles decades later. As the country commemorates this day, it should be mindful of those who live in poverty with limited access to opportunities. Better needs to be done for them," she said. 

Political analyst professor Sipho Seepe said the GNU had prioritised “nothing beyond spending an inordinate amount of time trying to justify its existence”.  

“Last year was all about internecine bickering. This stems from major flaws in foundations. The ANC's share of the vote declined by a humongous 17 percent in one electoral cycle. This is a damning statement than Ramaphosa’s version that says the voters wanted political parties to work together. On the other hand, the DA is on record in ensuring that the demise of the ANC happens pretty soon. There is no love lost between the ANC and the DA. Under the ANC-DA coalition, unemployment among the youth continues to skyrocket to unmanageable levels.”

He said  the ANC of Ramaphosa has not only failed but  has reversed whatever gains were made in the last 30 years. 

“So there is nothing that the youth should expect from it beyond revolutionary sounding statements signifying nothing,” said Seepe. 

Addressing the National Youth Day commemoration, in Potchefstroom, North West on Monday, Mashatile said was also deeply worrying was the growing number of young people who are not in education, employment, or training. 

“The current figure stands at about 3.8 million. Among 15–24-year-olds, 37.1% fall into this category, with young women being slightly more affected than young men. If we look at the wider age group of 15–34 years, the rate is even higher at 45.1%. Even our graduates are struggling, with nearly 1 in 4 graduates (23.9%) struggling to gain employment. This is more than just an economic issue. It is a moral emergency. We must fix the structural challenges in our economy to address inequality and skills mismatch between education and what the job market needs.”

Cosatu parliamentary coordinator Matthew Parks called on the private sector to come onboard. 

“We commend the nearly R50 billion allocated to NSFAS helping thousands of young people to access tertiary education and the additional R3 billion allocated this year to help the missing middle. We welcome the free basic education and meals benefiting millions and the plans to roll out Grade R to 700 000 learners shortly.

"A total of  250 000 teaching assistants have started work this month helping them to earn a living and gain the experience needed to find permanent work. So much more must be done by the government but also by the private sector which needs to provide artisanal and internship opportunities to young people,” he said. 

Cape Times