By Akani Nkuna
ANC President Cyril Ramaphosa has backed calls by the ANC Youth League (ANCYL) for youth unemployment to be declared a national disaster, describing the crisis as both deep and urgent.
Addressing the ANCYL’s 27th National Congress at Turfloop University in Polokwane, Limpopo, Ramaphosa said the scale of youth unemployment demanded extraordinary interventions and a sharper focus on sectors capable of absorbing young people into the economy.
“The ANC Youth League asked that youth unemployment must be declared a national disaster … This is indicative of the depth of the crisis and the seriousness with which it must be addressed,” Ramaphosa said.
“We should turbocharge our attention in a number of sectors — particularly manufacturing, mining and agriculture.”
He singled out agriculture as a sector with strong growth potential, arguing that mass participation by young people could significantly lift economic performance.
“If we can get as many young people into agriculture, our economy could show higher levels of growth. It is an area we want our government to focus on,” he said.
The congress is being held under the banner “Economic Freedom and Social Change: Now, Not Later“, and is expected to elect new Youth League leadership.
Guided by resolutions of the ANC National General Council (NGC), Ramaphosa urged youth structures to become drivers of change through skills development aligned to the needs of the economy.
Last week’s ANC NGC’s base document painted a bleak picture for young people, describing the situation as catastrophic: youth unemployment exceeds 50%, 45% of those aged 15–34 are not in employment, education or training (NEET), and even graduates face unemployment of about 12% in 2025.
Ramaphosa emphasised the importance of upskilling in relevant disciplines, warning against qualifications that do not translate into employment.
“There is no use in doing a course only to find that when you finish, the economy does not need those skills. Young people must focus on disciplines that are required in the economy,” he said.
“Youth unemployment should be declared a disaster,” ANC President Cde Cyril Ramaphosa told delegates at the ANC Youth League’s 27th National Congress.
The president also called for the strengthening of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges, alongside expanded government support through libraries, public Wi‑Fi and infrastructure that enables effective teaching and learning in line with the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
Ramaphosa said skills development was central to economic emancipation and a key lever in reducing youth unemployment.
He further urged delegates to intensify their role in the ANC’s renewal programme, particularly by mobilising young people ahead of the 2026 Local Government Elections.
He said the Youth League had a responsibility to address issues directly affecting young people, including unemployment and gender-based violence at higher education institutions.
“You must redefine how the ANCYL can effectively mobilise young people behind the ANC and how you champion their interests,” Ramaphosa told delegates.
He said party renewal required decisive action to improve service delivery, root out criminality in communities and strengthen political education, with the youth expected to lead these efforts.
Referring to the NGC held in Boksburg earlier this month, Ramaphosa said the ANC remained committed to the National Democratic Revolution (NDR), anchored around renewal and economic transformation.
He also reaffirmed the party’s commitment to Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (BBBEE), issuing a stern warning to critics.
“We will continue to refine and improve BBBEE to broaden its reach and deepen its impact,” he said.
“Those who say we must do away with BBBEE are dreaming. It will never happen. That policy is deeply embedded in our Constitution.”
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