Lungile Ntimba
THE ANC Youth League (ANCYL) has added its voice of concern about the alarming rise in unemployment, with the latest figures showing that one in every two South Africans is unemployed.
The Stats SA Quarterly Labour Force Survey (QLFS) results on Tuesday, showed that the number of unemployed South Africans increased by 158 000 to reach a staggering 8,4 million in the Second Quarter of 2024 compared to the First Quarter.
The ANCYL National Spokesperson Zama Khanyase said the unemployment rate increase reflects the deepening crisis faced by the nation, particularly the youth as they are affected by joblessness and economic exclusion.
“As young people, we are the future of this country, yet we are confronted by an economy that continues to marginalise us,” said Khanyase.
The ANCYL emphasised that youth unemployment is a devastating reality that hinders youth’s ability to contribute to society, and build sustainable futures.
“The lack of job opportunities undermines the dignity, aspirations, and potential of millions of young South Africans,” Khanyase said.
The ANCYL believes that the unemployment issue has damaged the youth’s sense of purpose, and left them hopelessness and despair.
“The inability to secure employment not only impacts their financial stability but also erodes their confidence and self-esteem” he said.
Unemployment among the youth can result in heightened mental health issues which can drive them towards destructive behaviours, such as substance abuse and crime, Khanyase pointed out, adding that the ANCYL has highlighted the need for long term structural solutions to address the unemployment crisis.
“We call on the government, private sector, and all stakeholders to prioritise job creation, by investing in skills development, entrepreneurship, and sectors with significant job growth, such as green energy, technology, and manufacturing”.
Khanyase said Innovative solutions should be implemented, including the urgent re-industrialization of our economy, ensuring that not more than 70% of our mineral resources leave the country.
“We must focus on developing local industries that process these resources into finished goods within South Africa, creating jobs and driving economic growth” Khanyase said.
He added that revitalising the agricultural sector can provide significant employment opportunities and enhance food security.
The EFF on the other hand has emphasised that the unemployment situation has been worsened by the “horrid DA-ANC Government given the extractive and exploitative policies of the DA”.
The DA has sprung into action fast-tracking work visas, which prioritise the influx of cheap, across the borders labour and amendments to the Labour Relations Act that will allow employers to exploit a desperate labour force, the EFF said.
“We can only wish that job creation loved the DA as much as the Rand does” EFF.
The DA spokesperson Michael Bagraim said they will engage with the Minister of Employment and Labour, Nomakhosazana Meth and her department in bringing fresh, innovative policies to the fore.
“The DA will continue to champion sustainable job creation and use its influence in Parliament to forge ahead with our plan to Rescue South Africa,” Bagraim said.
The DA also urged the Minister to engage with her counterparts in small business development to continue to support and empower entrepreneurs and cut prohibitive red tape, all vital ingredients to a healthy and growing economy.
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