We want a cabinet with young people: ANCYL

The ANC Youth League has called on President Cyril Ramaphosa to appoint young people to his cabinet.

All eyes are on Ramaphosa as he prepares to announce his all-inclusive executive following his presidential inauguration yesterday.

The 7th democratic administration will be presided over by a Government of National Unity (GNU), the first of its kind since 1997.

The ANCYL says while the GNU reflects the mother body’s dedication to unity and stability, the youth wing won’t compromise on policies that are critical to advancing the National Democratic Revolution (NDR).

ANCYL president, Collen Malatji, says policies such as the proposal to reform NSFAS into a tiered bursary and loan system will not happen under their watch.

They’ve also called for increased financial support for students and improvement in the distribution and administration of NSFAS.

The DA had previously stated that they have the intention to modify the NSFAS funding model should they come into power.

They want students to pay back a fraction of the funds disbursed for their studies, a move that was halted in 2018.

Malatji says they will not allow any regression or the implementation of policies that undermine the hard-won gains of the country’s democracy.

“The GNU must focus on issues critical to the youth, such as unemployment, higher education, crime, and drug abuse, and ensure that inclusive economic growth and effective service delivery are prioritised for all South Africans.”

They say while they are prepared to work with all parties, they will not waver in their commitment to progressive policies.

Malatji also took a swipe at the DA after it expressed dissatisfaction over the inclusion of the PA in the GNU.

“There’s no DA that determines what happens in the GNU, they are invited. I can’t invite you into my house and then you tell me how to put furniture. If they don’t want to be part of the unity, they must leave.”

Malatji says youth unemployment remains a critical issue in the country.

“We firmly believe that by reducing the export of raw materials to less than 70%, we can create more jobs within the processing sectors, providing meaningful employment opportunities for our youth.”

The ANC’s youth wing says as the new government takes form, they will be advocating for the implementation of the party’s manifesto.

They will focus on the economy, education, jobs, corruption and crime.