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Young people blame lack of jobs for drug abuse

todayApril 23, 2024 118

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Young business owners in Gauteng have slammed the government for failing to invest in young people at grassroots level.

As South Africans prepare to cast their ballot on the 29th of May, the young people say a lack of government funding and investment has left many of them struggling to keep their businesses afloat.

Speaking with YNews, fashion designer, Zintle Mbobo, has accused the government of failing to recognise and nurture talent.

She says artists, such as Grammy Award-winners Black Coffee and Tyla, only received the support of the government once they made it big on their own.

It’s a fate she believes young people should not have to endure.

Sharing a similar sentiment, Ekhuruleni street vendor, Linda Khumalo, says the government is slow to help.

And as young people face a youth unemployment rate of 44.3%, some youngsters say a lack of job opportunities and skills development programmes have forced many of them to turn to drug abuse.

According to outreach organisation #NotInMyName, between 60 and 70% of drug addicts are young, black and unemployed.

The young drug users and potential young voters, YNews spoke with, say more job opportunities and drug care facilities are what they need.

 

Written by Naomi Kobbie

Written by: Lindiwe Mabena

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