Unemployed youth voice frustration over job crisis after Mantashe comments

Members of the National Youth Unemployment Movement (NYUM) have accused the South African government of failing the country’s youth, citing a lack of urgency and accountability in addressing unemployment.

The civic movement had planned to march to the African National Congress’ (ANC) headquarters, Luthuli House, where they planned to hand over a memorandum of demands and CV’s calling for increased job creation, skills development and training programmes for the youth.

However, the planned demonstration failed to materialise after two fully loaded, privately owned buses meant to transport protestors from Bojanala in the North West to Johannesburg’s CBD failed to arrive.

March organisers allege the bus operators withdrew at the last minute, claiming they feared repercussions for participating in a protest directed at the ANC and its leadership.

Only a small group of demonstrators managed to reach Luthuli House, and no memorandum was handed over as a result.

NYUM members say the march was partly motivated by controversial remarks made by ANC national chairperson, Gwede Mantashe, who suggested that unemployed youth were “lazy” — and overly reliant on government for jobs — comments he later said were intended to encourage activism.

Controversial remarks by Mantashe, suggested that unemployed South Africans are overly reliant on government to create jobs, instead of actively seeking employment.

The movement is also calling for young people to be prioritised for internship opportunities, skills development and for the removal of barriers preventing youth from accessing the job market.

Forum for South Africa (FOSA) member Aaron Mokone criticised the current leadership, accusing government of neglecting qualified young people.

 

March organisers maintain that the protest was deliberately sabotaged.

FOSA leader and march organiser, Tebogo Mashilompane, says he received several calls warning him against proceeding with the demonstration.

“This is a very serious sabotage with regard to the transport issue. We have been sabotaged. They don’t want this march to go on. I actually received many calls previously from unknown numbers asking me what we are trying to do? Why are we marching against the ANC? So the issue now is that the two busses from Bojanala have been cancelled,” Mashilompane said.

NYUM member say they will now approach their local councillors to help plan another demonstration and mobilise more young people.

Some protestors told YNews that they had hoped to engage directly with ANC Secretary-General, Fikile Mbalula, to raise concerns about youth unemployment.

One demonstrator said young people feel sidelined in government priorities.

NYUM’s national leader, Lindokuhle Yende, says unemployment continues to crush the dreams of young people across the country.

“Unemployment is crushing the dreams of our youth. As young people we face the harsh reality where job scarcity steals our opportunities, delays our independence and fuels frustration. The lack of work not only hurts our pockets but also chips away at our confidence and future prospects. We need urgent action,” says Yende.

Yende has urged young South Africans to remain relentless in the fight against poverty, saying meaningful employment is key to restoring dignity and hope.

Written by: Odirile Rabalao